Inclusion of Pediatrics

The Coalition has advocated to ensure child health initiatives are included within larger research priorities. Unfortunately, there are examples of research programs either excluding or under-including child health components or being structured in ways that make it difficult for pediatric researchers to compete against non-pediatric applicants.

When this happens, children lose out. While some programs may not be germane to pediatric health opportunities or may require that a child component come later on, the exclusion, diminution or delay of pediatric components in major research initiatives negatively impacts the field.

The Coalition has addressed this issue by engaging directly with NIH and other program leaders to address pediatric dimensions, eligibility criteria and other key elements to avoid inattention to child health. It has also raised this topic as part of a larger focus on structural issues at the NIH.