Membership criteria

Full members

  • Conducting independent research directly addressing the theme of the HDDC in one or more areas of HDDC Research.
  • Intellectually engaged and actively participating in the HDDC.
  • Independently funded by NIH R-series, K-series, P01, U01, or equivalent government, foundation, or industry grants. This criterion is established by the NIDDK.
  • Faculty position at HMS or HMS-affiliated institutions on the Longwood Campus 
  • Using HDDC Cores (unless with justified and approved exceptions).

Affiliate members

Associate members do not currently have independently-funded grants. They are generally on a path to independence and may be funded by Pilot-Feasibility or other mentored non-independent grants (NIH F-series, or equivalent foundation or industry fellowship grants). New faculty recruits may also have institutional funding.

  • Conducting research related to but not primarily focused on the theme of the HDDC.
  • Intellectually engaged and participating in Center activities.
  • Using HDDC Cores.
  • Fulfill all other criteria for full membership

Emerging Faculty

  • Fulfill all criteria for full membership (except independent funding)
  • Appointed Instructor at Harvard Medical School and working on the Longwood Campus
  • On path to independence but lack active independent funding. Could be funded by Pilot-Feasibility or other mentored non-independent grants (NIH F-series, or equivalent foundation or industry fellowship grants). Emerging faculty may also have institutional, e.g. start-up, funding.

Clinical associates

All HDDC clinical associates are:

  • Conducting clinical or translational research that benefits from keeping abreast of advances in the basic biology and pathology of the GI tract and interaction with HDDC members.
  • Providing human materials and/or clinical collaborations that facilitate and guide the research of HDDC full members.
  • Faculty members at HMS or an HMS-affiliated institution.
  • Participating in or using HDDC clinical biostatistics or bio-repository services.

Member benefits

Inclusion in all HDDC activities 

All members receive advance notice of HDDC seminars, symposia and special events.

Reduced fees for use of Core services

Full members, associate members and clinical associates should discuss subsidies with the core director since some core-specific restrictions may apply. Some services and resources are provided at no charge. 

Preferred access to Core services

  • Full and associate HDDC members have 1st priority access to Core services. 
  • Members of other NIH-funded DDRC’s (including our sister DDRC in Boston, the Center for Studies on Inflammatory Bowel Disease CSIBD) have 2nd priority access (but no subsidies for service fees). 
  • All other investigators seeking use of our Cores have the 3rd priority access (and no subsidies). 
  • When there is very high demand, we further prioritize access among HDDC members, giving higher priority to those who have urgent need due to grant deadlines, and young investigators just starting their independent careers.

Pilot-feasibility grant opportunities

HDDC members and their trainees, as well as other investigators engaged in digestive disease related research, are allowed to apply. HDDC members are provided with advance notice before the PF grant opportunities are posted more broadly.

Obligations of membership in the HDDC

  • HDDC Members are expected to participate in Center activities by using Core services or by participation in the Enrichment Programs.
  • All members using Core services are required to acknowledge NIH support of the HDDC (Center Grant P30 DK034854) on their publications, and to provide timely reporting of Core use information to the Center Director and Core Leaders when requested.
  • Center members must assist in review of HDDC Pilot Feasibility Grant applications if requested.

How to join

If you are interested in joining the HDDC, please begin by contacting HDDC Director Dr. Wayne Lencer or any member of the Executive Committee to discuss eligibility.

Applicants then submit a letter to the Dr. Wayne Lencer detailing the relevance of their current research to one or more Themes of the Center along with their NIH biosketch, funding information, active or past collaborations with HDDC members, and use of HDDC Cores. These documents are reviewed and discussed by the Executive Committee at their monthly meeting.

For information about the HDDC or to follow up on an application, contact Farah Kools at Farah.Kools@childrens.harvard.edu