2007 IFFGD Research Award Recipients

These IFFGD research awards were given to active investigators who have a record of research interest in basic mechanisms or clinical aspects of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders. The awards are intended to encourage the participation of clinicians and scientists in multidisciplinary efforts aimed at advancing the understanding of gastrointestinal disorders in adults and in children.

Basic Science is the fundamental approach to understanding how systems work. Basic research takes place in the laboratory and often involves the study of molecules and cells.

Clinical science is the approach aimed at understanding the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders through studies involving people, usually carried out in clinical settings.

The awards were presented by Nancy Norton, President, IFFGD; Frank Hamilton, MD, Cheif, Digestive Diseases Programs Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the NIH; and Douglas Drossman, MD, Chair, IFFGD Research Awards Selection Committee.

We congratulate the 2007 IFFGD Research Award recipients for their outstanding achievements. 

Senior Investigator - Clinical Science

Bruce D. Naliboff, PhD
UCLA Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women's Health, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Naliboff is an innovator in studies of pain, including his current work in IBS.

Junior Investigator - Clinical Science

Magnus Simrén, MD, PhD
Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden
Dr. Simrén's main research areas are the causes and development of functional GI disorders.

Junior Investigator - Clinical Science

Brennan M. R. Spiegel, MD, MSHS
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Spiegel's current research is looking at ways to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of care for patients with IBS and dyspepsia.

Junior Investigator - Basic Science

Sylvie Bradesi, PhD
David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Bradesi's research has looked at neuroimmune interactions in the spinal cord at the molecular level and the role of this response in chronic pain.

• View research summary – Role of the Immune System in Functional Disorders

Senior Investigator - Pediatrics

Paul E. Hyman, MD
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Dr. Hyman's research has focused on pediatric GI motility disorders, chronic pain, and children's functional GI disorders.

Junior Investigator - Pediatrics

Miranda A. L. van Tilburg, PhD
UNC Center for functional GI and Motility Disorders, Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. van Tilburg's research has been looking at ways to design interventions and tools that help patients and families better manage GI symptoms.

• View research summary – Home Based Guided Imagery to Treat Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain