The FDA launched a nationwide recruitment drive on September 30, 2026 to fill current and anticipated vacancies across its advisory committees, ahead of the October 1 publication of two Federal Register notices seeking scientific, technical, and professional voting members and consumer representatives.
The initiative spans advisory committees covering areas including oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, genetics, and medical devices. The panels provide independent expert recommendations to inform FDA decisions on drugs, biologics, vaccines, medical devices, and other regulated products.
Scientific, technical, professional, and other voting-member nominations submitted by November 30, 2026 will receive first consideration for current and near-term vacancies. Consumer-representative nominations and expressions of interest from consumer organizations are due by November 16. Nominations will continue to be accepted as later vacancies arise, self-nominations are permitted, and members generally serve terms of up to four years.
Scientific nominees must demonstrate relevant subject-matter expertise, the ability to interpret complex scientific and technical information, and the capacity to provide objective, independent advice. Consumer representatives are expected to have ties to consumer or community organizations and be able to analyze scientific data and assess product benefits, risks, safety, and efficacy from a public perspective.