The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review has selected Daniel Ferris, Ph.D., Robert W. Adenbaum Professor, to serve as chair of the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sciences (MRS) study section. Ferris will serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2020.

Ferris will lead a committee of researchers from across the country to evaluate applications pertaining to the biological mechanisms and therapeutics of impaired physical functioning.

Ferris’ research focuses on the biomechanics and neural control of human locomotion. Most of his research focuses on human-machine interactions (mechanically and electrically). Projects include technology development and basic research using mobile brain imaging, robotic lower limb exoskeletons, and bionic lower limb prostheses.

The National Institutes of Health is the nation’s medical research agency and the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. Study sections review grant applications submitted to the NIH, make recommendations on these applications to the appropriate NIH national advisory council or board and survey the status of research in their fields of science. These functions are of great value to medical and allied research in the United States.

The Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sciences (MRS) study section evaluates applications about the biomechanics and therapeutics of impaired physical functioning and exercise and physical manipulation as rehabilitation strategies as they relate to the musculoskeletal system. The study section primarily reviews studies on human subjects.

“Chairing an NIH study section requires a lot of work, but it is a tremendous honor,” Ferris said. “Providing fair and balanced assessments of research grant proposals is a critical part of the national biomedical research enterprise. I am sincerely looking forward to the opportunity.”