FDA Opens Nationwide Recruitment for Advisory Committee Experts and Consumer Representatives

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced nationwide recruitment to broaden participation on its advisory committees. Two Federal Register notices seek scientific, technical and professional voting members, and consumer representatives, for current and anticipated vacancies. The committees evaluate evidence on drugs, vaccines, biologics, medical devices and other regulated products, providing independent recommendations to inform FDA decisions.

Recruitment spans fields including oncology, cardiovascular medicine, neurology, genetics and medical devices. Scientific and technical nominees must demonstrate relevant expertise, the ability to interpret complex evidence, an understanding of public health implications and the capacity to provide objective advice. Consumer nominees should have demonstrated affiliation with or participation in consumer or community organizations and be able to assess technical data, benefits, risks, safety and efficacy from a public perspective.

Candidates can apply through the FDA Advisory Committee Membership Nomination portal; self-nominations are accepted. For first consideration, consumer nominations are due November 15, 2026, and scientific, technical, professional and other voting-member nominations are due November 30, 2026. Later nominations will be considered as vacancies arise. Terms may last up to four years. This announcement offers clinicians and researchers an opportunity to contribute to regulatory deliberations; it does not announce changes to product approvals or clinical practice.