(Press-News.org) BATON ROUGE, La. – Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Gang Hu of the Center’s Chronic Disease Epidemiology Lab was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Population Sciences and Epidemiology Integrated Review Group (IRG) for the NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health (RPPH) study section. The IRG for the RPPH previews applications submitted to the NIH, makes recommendations on the applications to the appropriate national advisory council, and surveys the status of research in the field of population science and epidemiology.
“I am honored to accept this appointment and serve on the Integrated Review Group for the Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health study section,” said Dr. Hu, who is a professor in Pennington Biomedical’s Population and Public Health division. “To serve on this national review group is both a privilege and a vital task, as I will join fellow esteemed researchers in reviewing applications that study the predictors and biomarkers of diseases related to reproductive, perinatal and pediatric health. I am grateful for the support I received from my Pennington Biomedical colleagues, and I will represent them well on this board.”
The RPPH study section is a component of the NIH’s Epidemiology and Population Health Review Branch. The study section reviews research proposals that explore what causes or influences health conditions related to reproductive health, pregnancy, postpartum health, newborn health and child health. These proposals examine how early-life factors shape health later in life. The efforts of the study section include exploring genetics, epigenetics, social influences, biology, behavior, nutrition and the environment to understand how they affect health outcomes across the population.
In his invitation letter, Dr. Bruce Reed, Center for Scientific Review Acting Director, noted that Dr. Hu was selected for his competence and achievement in his scientific discipline and the quality of his research accomplishments, publications and honors. Dr. Hu's appointment to the IRG will last through 2031.
“Dr. Hu’s appointment to the NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review Group reflects his long-standing contributions to research on chronic disease and its genetic and environmental determinants,” said Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “The appointment recognizes Dr. Hu’s expertise and reflects the strength of the scientific work being conducted at Pennington Biomedical. I congratulate Dr. Hu on this service to the NIH and the broader research community.”
Dr. Hu's research interests focus on the role of lifestyle factors, lifestyle intervention, biomarkers, genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)-related risks and their interactions on the risk of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure.
About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting nutrition, metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System.
The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 600 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 16 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.
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Media Contacts:
Joe Coussan
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
225-763-3049
joe.coussan@pbrc.edu
Ernie Ballard
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
225-763-2677
ernie.ballard@pbrc.edu
END
Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Gang Hu appointed to NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review Group
Dr. Hu, who leads Pennington Biomedical’s Chronic Disease Epidemiology Lab, will evaluate studies relating to reproductive, perinatal and pediatric health
2026-01-12
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[Press-News.org] Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Gang Hu appointed to NIH Reproductive, Perinatal and Pediatric Health Review GroupDr. Hu, who leads Pennington Biomedical’s Chronic Disease Epidemiology Lab, will evaluate studies relating to reproductive, perinatal and pediatric health