Call for Reviewers
The Review Process
Become a Scientific Reviewer
Each newly submitted animal food ingredient is evaluated by a scientific review panel composed of subject matter experts (SMEs) from universities, industry and independent consultancies across the U.S. Together, these experts ensure that all animal species and key areas of the feed and food production process are represented in the review.
What Reviewers Do
SME panelists conduct scientific reviews on ingredient submissions to evaluate the safety for use in animal food particularly as it pertains to the proposed ingredient definition. The submit an ingredient webpage contains more information on the ingredient submission process and how reviewers are assigned. In specific cases, panelists may also be asked to participate in pre-consultation meetings to provide additional technical input or context before the formal review process.
What We Require
To be considered for an SME panel, applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) that clearly outlines their expertise in animal nutrition or a related field, along with a completed conflict of interest (COI) disclosure form. Eligible SMEs are also required to complete a brief online training session. The training takes approximately four hours to complete, although those with prior regulatory experience may test out of some modules.
Compensation
Monetary compensation is provided per review as outlined in SME contracts for each panel an individual is selected to join.
Areas of Expertise
What kind of expertise are you looking for?
Prior regulatory or review experience is not required—what matters most is your depth of knowledge and perspective in your field.
Within the SME application you are able to select multiple areas of expertise as they pertain to your knowledge and experience.
Our primary focus is set around the following areas. Expand the topic name to view examples.
Species Designation
- Aquaculture
- Beef Cattle
- Cats
- Dairy Cattle
- Dogs
- Equine
- Poultry
- Small Ruminants
- Specialty Pets
- Swine
Key Subject Area: Nutrients
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Minerals
- Protein
- Vitamins
Key Subject Area: Feed Manufacturing and Processing
- Baked Feed/Food
- Extrusion
- Fermentation and Downstream Processing
- Milling
- Pelleting
- Rendering
Key Subject Area: Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- i.e. method development for measuring and identifying nutrients
- Biochemistry
- i.e. chemical processes within living organisms
- Food Chemistry
- i.e. chemical composition and reactions of food components
Key Subject Area: Microbiology
- Animal Microbiology
- i.e. relationship between microorganisms and host
- Food Microbiology
- i.e. microorganisms in animal feed and food
- Veterinary Microbiology
- i.e. microbial disease
Key Subject Area: Toxicology
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Human Food Safety Toxicology
Specific Ingredients
- Animal-derived Proteins
- Insect Proteins
- Plant-based Proteins
- Single Cell Proteins
- Brewers Products
- Fermentation Products
- Bio-fuel Co-products
- Human Food By-products
- Other Co-products
- Cereal Grains
- Oil Grains
- Fats and Oils
- Citrus Products
- Enzymes
- Live Microorganisms
- Phytogenic Extracts
- Technical Additives:
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Anti-caking Agents
- Antioxidants
- Binding Agents
- Biofuel Production
- i.e. bioengineered yeast
- Emulsifiers
- Flocculants
- Nutritional Diluents
- PH Modulation
- Processing Aids
- Preservatives
- Surfactants
- Thickening Agents
- Traceres
- Sequestrants
- Open to other expertise
Conflict of Interest (COI) Form
Why do applicants need to submit a COI report?
The COI form allows SRIS to identify any personal or professional interests that could influence an applicant’s judgment or decision-making while serving as a Subject Matter Expert. Paired with the applicant's CV, these documents help to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the panel’s work.
You can download the COI form here for review or to fill out in preparation for an SME application.
Ready to apply?
Become a Reviewer
Do you work with livestock, poultry, aquaculture, or companion animals? Specialize in food microbiology, grains, extrusion and milling or alternative proteins? We invite you to share your expertise as a subject matter expert for the SRIS program regulatory review panels.
Prior regulatory or review experience is not required—what matters most is your depth of knowledge and perspective in your field.
