Benson T. Akingbemi, D.V.M., Ph.D., an Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine associate professor, has been chosen to serve as a member of the Cellular Molecular and Integrative Reproduction (CMIR) Study Section with the Center for Scientific Review. Membership on a study section provides an opportunity for participants to make significant contributions to the national biomedical research effort.

The Center for Scientific Review is the gateway for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant applications and their review for scientific merit. Study section members review submitted applications, make recommendations on these applications, and survey the status of research in their fields of science. The CMIR Study Section reviews applications concerned with the molecular, cellular, endocrine, and physiological aspects of reproductive biology in both mammalian and model organism systems.

More than 80% of NIH's funding, which approximates $30 billion annually, is awarded through almost 50,000 competitive grants to more than 325,000 researchers at over 3,000 universities, medical schools, and other research institutions in every state and around the world. The position helps ensure the quality of the NIH peer review process.

In accepting the invitation to serve, Dr. Akingbemi said, “I am quite humbled and pleased to be asked to be part of the national research enterprise in a role as critical as that of a grant reviewer.  All stakeholders in the scientific community regard the review process to be of great impact to the success of the grant award mechanism. I look forward to making a contribution to the NIH mission using my expertise in the area of environmental toxicology.” 

Akingbemi’s term begins July 1, 2011, and ends June 30, 2015. 

Members are selected on the basis of their demonstrated competence and achievement in their scientific disciplines as evidenced by the quality of research accomplishments, publications in scientific journals, and other significant scientific activities, achievements, and honors.

Akingbemi studies the effects of environmental toxicants on male reproductive tract development and function. His study of the toxicity of soy-based diets is funded by the NIH. 

The Faculty of 1000 recently cited a paper published by a research team led by Akingbemi as one of the best research articles available. The study, "Developmental exposures of male rats to soy isoflavones impact Leydig cell differentiation," appeared in the journal Biology of Reproduction.  The selection of his work places it at the top two percent of all published articles in the biological and medical sciences.

Contact: Tara Lanier, 334-844-3698, tara.lanier@auburn.edu