RAPS Fellows Program

Honoring distinguished leaders. Advancing regulatory excellence.

The RAPS Fellows Program annually recognizes exceptional professionals who have made sustained, meaningful contributions to regulatory science, practice, and leadership. Fellowship represents the highest level of professional distinction within RAPS.

Those named Fellows exemplify integrity, service, and commitment to the global regulatory community.

What It Means to Be a RAPS Fellow and Becoming One

RAPS Fellows are respected leaders who advance the profession through mentorship, continually going above and beyond their job descriptions, and volunteerism. In recognition of their impact, Fellows receive the distinguished FRAPS designation and serve as ambassadors for regulatory excellence.

Fellowship reflects both achievement and responsibility.

Application Information and Selection Process

RAPS Fellows must have an extensive and robust process at the strategic management levels outlined in the Regulatory Competency Framework. Below is a brief overview of the criteria and responsibilities of a RAPS Fellow.

Eligibility to become a RAPS Fellow includes:

Have an active RAPS membership
- Individuals currently employed at a health authority are excluded from this membership requirement
Have a minimum of 10 years of extensive regulatory knowledge and breadth of experience in the profession, including healthcare and related products—medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics and nutritional products
Have a history of dedication to—and an interest in continuing to build and shape—the future of the regulatory profession

RAPS Fellows responsibilities:

Provide ongoing representation as a leader at RAPS regulatory programs and other scientific meetings
Participate in forums covering key issues and trends facing the profession
Serve and lead the regulatory profession and RAPS
Assist in developing future RAPS leadership
Mentor new and/or junior RAPS members and other regulatory professionals by providing guidance and advice

How to Apply

The 2026 RAPS Fellow Program application cycle will close on 3 April 2026 at 11:50 pm EDT. Fellows will be announced at RAPS Convergence 2026 in Charlotte, NC, USA.

Complete the General Candidate Information Form, so we have your general contact information and know that you are interested in applying.
Download the Fellows Application Form. Please ensure that you complete all fields (incomplete applications will not be reviewed).
The Fellows Application Form consists of questions about the candidate’s:
- Contributions to the regulatory community
- Regulatory work history
- Regulatory management and leadership experience
- Knowledge and breadth of regulatory issues
- Plans for advancing the regulatory profession
- Credentials and references (please note that the Fellows Committee reserves the right to contact your references to verify the information supplied in your application).
Submit the completed Fellow Application Form to Julie Gordon, Director, Membership, RAPS no later than 3 April 2026, at 11:50 pm EDT.

Additional Information

RAPS Fellows are selected annually by a peer group, the RAPS Fellows Selection Committee. When reviewing applications, the Fellow Selection Committee focuses on the applicant’s:

Achievement of excellence in regulatory competence.
Contribution to the profession, especially beyond the routine and daily job expectations.
Concrete plans to continue contributing to the profession in the future.

In September, fellows will be announced and recognized at RAPS Convergence 2026 in Charlotte, NC, USA.

Reasons why some past applications did not result in Fellow recognition:

Failure to clearly communicate the case for selection
Failure to follow instructions or directly address the selection criteria
Insufficient years of experience
Contributions to the profession not sufficient/sustained
Incomplete applications

Meet the Fellows

The RAPS Fellows Program launched in 2008 to recognize global regulatory professionals for their innovation, contributions, and leadership in advancing the profession. Fellows receive a dignified status and hold the FRAPS designation. They serve as important advisors and mentors for strategic collaboration, implementation of special initiatives, and international development across the regulatory community.