Dr. Sailen Barik, professor of biochemistry at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, has been selected to serve as a member of the National Institute of Health’s Virology-B (VIR-B) Study Section of the Center for Scientific Review.

Members of the VIR-B Study Section are selected from top scientists from across the United States based on their demonstrated competence and achievement in their scientific discipline as evidenced by the quality of their research accomplishments, publications in scientific journals, and other significant scientific activities, achievements and honors.

“Service on this study section requires mature judgment and objectivity as well as the ability to work effectively in a group, qualities Dr. Barik brings to this important task,” said Dr. Toni Scarpa, director of the NIH Center for Scientific Review.

Membership on a study section represents a major commitment of professional time and energy as well as a unique opportunity to contribute to the national biomedical research effort. “Study sections review grant applications submitted to the NIH, make recommendations on these applications to the appropriate NIH 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 this country,” explained Dr. Scarpa.

Dr. Barik is chair of both the Research Advisory Committee and the Biopolymer Core Advisory Committee at USA. His research, which focuses on the interaction between host cells and pathogenic organisms, has most recently produced promising results using intranasal administration of compounds to treat viral infections of the respiratory system.