NIH HEAL Leadership and Staff

The NIH HEAL Initiative has forged collaborations among research programs across NIH, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, community organizations, and the private sector. In line with acquiring diverse expertise and experience required to shape and sustain this expansive initiative, HEAL seeks input from several groups.

HEAL Director

NIH HEAL Initiative Director Dr. Rebecca Baker leads coordination of HEAL programmatic activities between the NIH Office of the Director and relevant NIH Institutes and Centers, manages the HEAL Office, and oversees management of HEAL governance committees. The Director reports to the NIH Director.

NIH HEAL Leadership and Staff

A diverse group of people work together to advance the HEAL mission and vision. This group provides expertise in program management, strategy, communications, analysis, and data management. The team coordinates HEAL efforts and interacts with staff from NIH Institutes and Centers, federal agencies, and professional organizations as well as HEAL-funded researchers.

Executive Committee

The HEAL Executive Committee is made up of NIH Institute and Center Directors that fund HEAL research. The committee is responsible for final funding decisions regarding HEAL research. It reviews program and funding plans for HEAL research, ensures coordination among the multiple HEAL projects, and considers input from external advisory groups.

Scientific Teams and NIH Program Officials

HEAL research projects are divided into six teams based on scientific topic. NIH scientific leadership and program officials for each of these topics develop and communicate HEAL research funding and research plans. At the direction of the HEAL Executive Committee, these plans are shared with the Multi-Disciplinary Working Group and with NIH Advisory Councils, when appropriate, before final approval by the HEAL Executive Committee.

External Partners and Advisors

NIH HEAL Initiative Multi-Disciplinary Working Group (MDWG)

The HEAL Multi-Disciplinary Working Group includes representatives from NIH, academia, and professional societies related to pain, addiction, or both. It provides input to NIH on the overall progress of the initiative. The group provides perspective and input on the overall initiative and suggests areas where more research is needed.

NIH HEAL Initiative Partnership Committee (HPC)

The HEAL Partnership Committee is a subgroup of the HEAL Multi-Disciplinary Working Group that advises HEAL on defined tasks related to the development of new treatments for pain and addiction. It includes representatives from industry, academia, professional organizations, and the federal government. The committee advises HEAL on biopharmaceutical and device-based treatments to be tested through new clinical trials networks as part of the initiative.

NIH HEAL Initiative Community Partner Committee (HCPC)

The HEAL Community Partner Committee is a subgroup of the HEAL Multi-Disciplinary Working Group that includes individuals who have experience with pain conditions and/or opioid use disorder, including patients, advocates, patient liaisons, and/or family members of someone with these conditions. The committee provides input on key issues faced by individuals affected by pain conditions or opioid use disorder to ensure the relevance and practicality of HEAL-supported research.

Federal Partners

Via an NIH HEAL Initiative federal partners workgroup, NIH partners with the following agencies and others within the federal government: