Proposals for New Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

NASPGHAN invites member proposals for the formation of new Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

As part of NASPGHAN’s strategic governance framework, SIGs serve as structured, committee-aligned member communities that foster networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in focused areas of clinical practice, research, education, and innovation. SIGs function as active constituents of NASPGHAN committees and strengthen member engagement, inclusivity, and Society-wide collaboration.

SIGs are intended to address emerging or specialized topics that are not currently a primary focus of existing NASPGHAN committees, SIGs, or other Society initiatives. All SIGs remain open to interested members and are designed to be inclusive, dynamic, and productive.

Once formed, a SIG is considered an integral constituency of the NASPGHAN committee with which it is aligned and operates under that committee’s structural oversight.

To propose the formation of a new SIG, interested members must submit a formal proposal (maximum 2 pages) that includes:

1. Review of Current Knowledge - A concise overview of the current state of knowledge related to the SIG’s focus area, identifying key gaps in clinical practice, research, education, or collaboration.

2. Identified Gaps & Value to NASPGHAN - A clear explanation of:

• The unmet need the SIG will address
• How the SIG differs from and complements existing committees, SIGs, or initiatives
• The value the SIG will provide to NASPGHAN members

3. Preliminary Membership List - A list of at least five (5) full NASPGHAN members who have pledged to join the SIG upon approval.

• One to two of these members must be identified as the initial SIG Facilitator(s).
• Fellow members may join SIGs once formed but cannot be included among the initial five proposers.

4. Committee Chair Endorsement - Written endorsement from a NASPGHAN Committee Chair confirming:

• Discussion with the proposed SIG group
• Agreement that the SIG aligns with the committee’s scope
• Willingness for the SIG to operate under the committee’s oversight

There will be one proposal submission and review cycle for 2026.

Proposal Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

Proposals must be submitted through the NASPGHAN website - https://naspghan.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/164/home

All complete proposals undergo a structured review process:

1. Executive Council Presentation – The proposed SIG facilitator(s)/applicant(s) will be invited to provide a brief presentation to the NASPGHAN Executive Council outlining:

• The need for the SIG;
• Its goals and scope;
• How it complements (rather than duplicates) existing groups; and
• Member engagement plans.

2. Administrative & Leadership Review – NASPGHAN leadership reviews proposals for alignment with Society priorities, governance structure, and scope relative to existing committees and SIGs

3. Council Review & Final Decision – Following the presentation and leadership review, the full Council conducts final review and determines approval.

Applicants should review existing SIGs to ensure their proposal addresses a distinct and unmet need.

Current SIGs include:

• Aerodigestive SIG
• Celiac SIG
• Culinary Medicine SIG
• Cystic Fibrosis SIG
• Data Science SIG
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) SIG
• Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) SIG
• Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) SIG
• Global Health SIG
• Integrative Medicine SIG
• Interventional Endoscopy SIG
• Intestinal Rehabilitation SIG
• Intestinal Ultrasound SIG
• MASLD & Obesity SIG
• Medical Education SIG
• Polyposis SIG
• Transnasal Endoscopy SIG