Susan Sanchez, professor of infectious diseases, assistant director of the UGA Biomedical Health Sciences Institute and chair of One Health, was recently appointed to the National Institute of Health’s Council of Councils. She will serve a five-year term, beginning October 1, 2018, with her first meeting in January.
“Susan will be a great addition to this prestigious group,” said Lisa K. Nolan, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “She sees the big picture in a way that not everyone does, is an excellent strategist and can come up with creative solutions to any issue. She will be an asset to the group without a doubt.”
The 27-member Council of Councils advises the NIH Director on matters related to the policies and activities of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI). The Council also acts as an external advisory panel for the NIH Institutes and Center Directors during their “concept approval” stage of the NIH Roadmap Initiative review process. Roadmap Initiatives foster high-risk/high-reward research, enable the development of transformative tools and methodologies, fill fundamental knowledge gaps, and/or change academic culture to foster collaboration. These initiatives are designed to pursue major opportunities and gaps in biomedical research that no single NIH institute could tackle alone, but which the agency as a whole can address to make the biggest impact possible on the progress of biomedical research.
“This is a great opportunity for UGA and the College of Veterinary Medicine to not only get insight on the future direction of NIH, but to help guide it,” noted Sanchez. “I couldn’t be more honored to join such a diverse and accomplished group of professionals on the Council and have the opportunity to help shape trans-institute research.”
Sanchez is well-known for her work in antimicrobial resistance and One Health. In addition to her NIH funded research and training grants, Sanchez has served in several NIH study sections, consults on research training for veterinary students, and played a crucial role in developing the new strategic plan for the Office of Research and Infrastructure Programs. She joins a distinguished group as part of the Council. Membership includes professionals at the top of the research, academic, and corporate entities involved in public health and medicine.
