National Biodefense Science Board

The National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) was created under the authority of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, signed into law on December 19, 2006.

The NBSB was established to provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on scientific, technical, and other matters of special interest to HHS regarding activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies resulting from chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological events, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.

On March 4, 2008, the charter of the NBSB was amended to allow the NBSB to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on other matters related to public health emergency preparedness and response.

By statute, the NBSB has 13 voting members with a broad range of expertise in science, medicine, and public health.  Additionally, there are non-voting, ex officio members, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.