Smirnova Named Chief of CSR Review Group

Dr. Elena Smirnova

Dr. Elena Smirnova is new chief of the Center for Scientific Review’s genes, genomes and genetics (GGG) integrated review group. She had been acting chief of GGG since January 2018. Smirnova previously served as a referral officer and as scientific review officer (SRO) for CSR’s cellular signaling and regulatory systems study section.

“Elena’s exemplary grasp of policy, sound judgment and an unwavering focus on the quality of review make her the ideal choice for this important role,” said CSR acting director Dr. Noni Byrnes. She also noted that Smirnova is well prepared for her new role due to her research background in basic cell and molecular biology, along with her years of experience handling reviews in the area of DNA damage/repair checkpoints, service as a referral officer for several IRGs including GGG and her leadership of trans-NIH Roadmap reviews in the areas of epigenomics and genome editing.

Smirnova will oversee seven standing study sections and numerous special emphasis panels that review a broad range of NIH grant applications in fundamental and applied aspects of genes, genomes and genetics of humans and other organisms.

She earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry/biophysics from Heidelberg University in Germany. She did her postdoctoral training in the department of biological chemistry at UCLA School of Medicine. She then joined NICHD’s Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch before joining CSR as an SRO in the cell biology IRG.