The National Advisory Child Health and Human Development (NACHHD) Council met on January 13-14, 2025, for its winter meeting. This meeting brought together experts and leaders in child and maternal health to discuss strategic initiatives, research advancements, and policy updates that will shape the future of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
[Review the NICHD AC Agenda] [Watch the recorded Videocast]
Dr. Diana Bianchi, Director of NICHD, opened with the NICHD director’s report, providing a comprehensive update on the NICHD Strategic Plan 2025, which is nearly finished. The “refreshed” plan includes new objectives in key areas such as understanding the molecular basis of development, advancing gynecologic research, addressing COVID-19’s impact on child and adolescent health, and ensuring the development of safe and effective therapies. Dr. Bianchi also spoke about NICHD’s ongoing research initiatives, including work on artificial intelligence, the Kids First program targeting childhood cancer and structural birth defects, and new leadership hires within the institute.
In addition, Dr. Bianchi addressed a recent National Academies report on women’s health research. She expressed concern that the report did not fully capture the breadth of NICHD’s efforts in this area. She clarified the institute’s legislative mandate and its research focus, which includes reproductive health, maternal health, and pediatric conditions.
Alexis Clark, NICHD’s Budget Officer and Chief of the Financial Management Branch, gave a detailed budget report, explaining the federal budget process and the agency’s funding strategies. She explained the “mechanism table,” which categorizes funding allocations, including project grants (approximately 55 percent of the budget), training grants, and research programs. Clark also highlighted funding priorities and set-asides, such as allocations for minority research and small business grants. Clark further explained how the agency plans grant budgets, balancing funding levels across different priorities. She described the review process for existing projects and the factors influencing decisions, such as success rates, funding caps, and strategic goals.
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), gave a NIAID Update on Priorities for Research in Women and Children. Dr. Marrazzo, who spoke with FABBS members in September, shared NIAID’s research priorities for women and children, emphasizing a commitment to advancing health outcomes through innovative science and impactful public health interventions. The presentation highlighted key focus areas, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and immunology research to inform next-generation vaccines and treatments. Dr. Marrazzo also stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. These efforts underscore NIAID’s dedication to bridging basic research with real-world applications that benefit vulnerable populations worldwide.
The NACHHD will meet again June 9-10, 2025.
