CNTR is proud to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Rosemary Kozar, who is stepping down as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) after serving in that role since the committee’s formation, when CNTR was still known as the National Trauma Institute.

Over more than a decade of service, Dr. Kozar helped establish the SAC as a cornerstone of CNTR’s mission to advance trauma research. Under her leadership, the committee fostered scientific collaboration, mentored investigators, and strengthened the development of competitive research proposals across the trauma community.

Among its many accomplishments, the SAC convened a landmark Research Methodology Conference in 2019 in partnership with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. The meeting generated important discussions on the future of trauma research and led to a series of influential publications that continue to shape the field. SAC members have provided expert feedback on countless research concepts and grant proposals, helping investigators refine projects for submission to federal funders. The committee has also developed multidisciplinary proposals of its own and recently played a key role in reviewing applications for EAST’s new Registry-based Randomized Controlled Trial Award.

Dr. Kozar’s leadership helped cultivate a culture of rigor, generosity, and collaboration. As incoming SAC Chair Dr. Deborah Stein noted, “Everybody who is on the committee really wants to be here and wants to do the work.” She credits the committee’s success to the engagement and altruism of its members, who have consistently contributed their expertise to strengthen trauma research nationwide as well as to the CNTR staff that she describes as “an amazing group of talented and dedicated individuals who have gone above and beyond to spread the word about CNTR.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Stein envisions building on that foundation by assessing emerging opportunities and challenges. She sees value in exploring new methodologies, partnerships, and funding approaches while continuing CNTR’s advocacy efforts and positioning investigators for future opportunities. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration and patient engagement, noting that resources such as CNTR’s Injury Research Engagement Project (I-REP) have become essential to helping researchers develop meaningful and impactful science.

Joining Dr. Stein in leadership is Dr. Lauren Moffatt, who will serve as the SAC’s first Vice Chair. Dr. Moffatt sees the new role as an opportunity to listen, learn, and help expand the committee’s reach and effectiveness. She hopes to serve as a bridge between CNTR and a broader network of investigators, encouraging multidisciplinary collaborations that bring together diverse expertise and perspectives. As a leader within the American Burn Association, she also looks forward to strengthening connections between the trauma and burn research communities and identifying new opportunities for partnership.

As CNTR enters this new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Kozar for her years of visionary leadership and service. Her contributions have left an enduring mark on the organization and the trauma research community. We look forward to the continued growth and impact of the SAC under the leadership of Drs. Stein and Moffatt.