The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking members for a new advisory panel on chemical, biological, and radiological agents, the department’s secretary, Michael O. Leavitt, announced on Wednesday.

The panel, to be called the National Biodefense Science Board, will consist of 13 members, including four from academe, and will advise the department on preventing, preparing for, and responding to the natural, accidental, or deliberate release of such agents. The board will also make recommendations about research and development, and help the agency make decisions. —Kelly Field