We are delighted to announce the creation of a new Research Advisory Board. This Board will provide expert advice and strategic analysis to guide the Foundation's research priorities and initiatives. By bridging the gap between academic research, scientific innovation, and patient needs, the Board ensures that the NR2F1 Foundation's research efforts are efficient, patient-centered, and focused on accelerating the development of effective treatments. We asked Melissa Thelen, Chair of Research at the NR2F1 Foundation, about the Board.
How does it differ from the Scientific Advisory Board? The Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of our core investigators at BBSOAS who not only advise the Foundation but also actively advance science in their own labs.
These experts are deeply involved in the day-to-day work of understanding gene function and systematically developing the knowledge and tools needed to prepare for clinical trials. In short, the Scientific Advisory Board asks, "Is this sound science?" and the Research Advisory Board asks, "Will this science help patients, and if so, how soon?" I hope this collaboration will be a real driving force as we take the next steps in the search for treatments. Will the Research Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board meet soon?
Yes! At our October 2025 Research Strategy Meeting, we are excited that our October meeting will welcome both our Scientific Advisory Board (Dr. Schaaf, Dr. Shah, Dr. Wassmer) and our new Research Advisory Board members. Our ambition is to establish a research roadmap for the next few years, with a clear path toward our goal of finding a treatment. Introducing the new NR2F1 Research Advisory Board members:
Shailesh Chavan, MD
Marketing Director, Ingenious Global Health
Dr. Chavan is an executive physician-scientist with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organization (CRO) sectors. He specializes in patient-centric innovation, early- to late-stage product development, and lifecycle management. With a strong background in business development, due diligence, and integration, he brings deep expertise in immunology, oncology, neurology, and transplantation. Dr. Chavan is currently focused on investing in, advising, and mentoring startup founders to solve critical healthcare challenges. “I am excited to support NR2F1 product development and clinical strategy.” Jodie Huddleston
COO & Co-Founder PatientX
Co-founder and COO of PatientX, Jodie brings over 30 years of leadership experience in strategy, innovation, and clinical trials in the life sciences industry. As co-founder and COO of PatientX, she is widely recognized for her ability to design and deliver disruptive, patient-centric solutions that drive meaningful advances in clinical research and improve outcomes. Prior to PatientX, Jodie was Senior Managing Director and Head of Clinical Solutions at Press Ganey, where she led groundbreaking initiatives to integrate patient experience measurement into clinical trials, addressing a critical and long-overlooked gap in the industry. Her leadership journey also includes leadership roles at leading organizations such as Worldwide Clinical Trials, ICON, IQVIA, and CVS Health. “I am excited to be part of this important project to help others, like me, who need effective treatments, and to accelerate research innovations for this population.” »
Clarence Yap, MD, MPH
Biotechnology Drug Development
Dr. Clarence Yap has over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including program team leadership, drug development strategy, and alliance collaborations. He spent 13 years at BioMarin, where he led rare disease programs, before leading drug development programs at Sangamo Therapeutics, AavantiBio, Lyell Immunopharma, and Pliant Therapeutics. He began his career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. He is passionate about advancing therapies for diseases with significant unmet medical needs, which motivates his involvement with the NR2F1 Foundation. He received his M.D. from the Accelerated Medical Education Specialization Program, a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, and a M.P.H. from Northwestern University. We are pleased to announce the formation of a new Research Advisory Board. The council will provide expert advice and strategic insights to help guide the foundation's research priorities and initiatives.