CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – CLOSES 21 SEPTEMBER 2026
Global Snakebite Initiative USA Foundation Launches Scientific & Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)
The Global Snakebite Initiative USA Foundation, Inc. (GSI USA) is pleased to announce an Open Call for Applications for membership of its Scientific & Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)—a multidisciplinary body of leading experts dedicated to advancing global efforts to reduce snakebite morbidity and mortality.
Snakebite envenoming remains one of the world’s most neglected public‑health emergencies, disproportionately affecting rural and underserved communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. The launch of the 2026-2029 STAC Open Call marks a major milestone in GSI USA’s commitment to strengthening scientific rigor, expanding evidence‑based programming, and supporting global alignment with WHO strategies for snakebite prevention and control.
A Multidisciplinary Committee of Global Experts
The STAC brings together specialists across a wide range of fields, including:
- Clinical snakebite management
- Venom science and toxinology
- Epidemiology, biostatistics, and geospatial analysis
- Health economics and health‑systems research
- Community engagement and education
- Social and behavioural sciences
- Policy, regulation, and public‑health governance
- Herpetology, ecology, and conservation
- Supply chain, antivenom access, and implementation science
Members serve strictly in a personal, independent capacity, ensuring that scientific deliberations remain free from institutional, governmental, or commercial influence.
Independence, Integrity, and WHO‑Aligned Governance
The STAC operates under a governance framework designed to uphold:
- Independence of judgment
- Transparency in selection and appointment
- Gender and regional representation
- Compliance with WHO’s Framework of Engagement with Non‑State Actors (FENSA)
- Strict firewall separation between scientific advisory work and WHO‑facing engagement
Commercial‑affiliated experts may participate only under stringent safeguards, including mandatory recusal from discussions related to antivenoms, diagnostics, therapeutics, or any commercial product connected to their employer.
Strengthening Global Snakebite Response
The STAC will provide high‑level guidance to GSI USA leadership on a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to:
- Scientific and clinical priorities
- Program design and evaluation
- Geospatial risk modelling
- Community‑based prevention strategies
- Policy development and health‑system strengthening
- Research frameworks and evidence generation
The Committee will meet at least four times per year, with additional meetings convened as needed to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Open Call for Applications
GSI USA will issue an open global call for STAC membership every three years. Applications will be reviewed through a transparent, FENSA‑aligned process involving:
- Secretariat screening
- Independent Review Panel scoring
- Board approval
The selection process ensures balanced representation across gender, geography, and disciplinary expertise. Successful candidates will be advised in writing of their selection by 30 November 2026. The term of the new STAC will commence on 1 January 2027.
A Step Forward for Global Health Equity
The establishment of the STAC reflects GSI USA’s commitment to advancing equitable, evidence‑based solutions for communities affected by snakebite envenoming worldwide. By convening world‑class experts under a robust independence and governance framework, GSI USA is strengthening its ability to support national, regional, and global partners working to reduce deaths, disability, and suffering caused by snakebite.
Applications
The current Call for Applications is open from 10 August 2026 until 21 September 2026.
If you wish to apply to join our Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, please refer to the Terms of Reference before you prepare your application. You will also need to submit a Declaration of Interests.
Your application and supporting documents should be submitted by E-Mail to: chloe@globalsnakebite.org
Applications close at midnight PST on 21 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered.