Fatty Liver Foundation Launches Groundbreaking Patient Advocacy Fellowship Honoring Dr. Stephen A. Harrison

New Fellowship Equips Liver Disease Advocates to Shape the Future of MASH Research and Policy

JUNE 12, 2025, BOISE, IDAHO, USA — The Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF) today announced the launch of the Dr. Stephen A. Harrison Patient Advocacy Fellowship, the first-of-its-kind program designed to elevate the role of patient advocates in the advancement of care, research, and policy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and other phenotypes of steatotic liver disease (SLD). The launch coincides with Global Fatty Liver Day, a global awareness initiative promoting early detection and action on liver disease.

The program’s new website, www.harrisonfellows.org, launches today with information about eligibility, the application process, and program timelines. Up to 20 fellows will be selected each year from across North America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. These fellows will receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and funded access to leading medical conferences to ensure that the patient voice remains central to advancing treatment and diagnostic development for MASH and other phenotypes of SLD. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in online coursework through the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, with courses focused on drug and diagnostics trials design, health policy, and leadership in patient advocacy.

“This Fellowship honors Dr. Harrison’s legacy as a world-class clinician and tireless advocate for putting patients at the center of liver disease research,” said Wayne Eskridge, Founder and CEO of FLF. “We are not just launching a program; we are building a movement that bridges science and lived experience.”

The Fellowship was developed through ongoing conversations at FLF about how to best honor Dr. Harrison’s legacy and expand the role of patient advocates in liver disease research. Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF, helped shape the vision for a structured, forward-looking program grounded in Dr. Harrison’s lifelong commitment to patient-centered innovation and cross-sector collaboration. In the process, Henry also worked closely with Dr. Harrison’s family to ensure the Fellowship reflects his values and lasting impact.

Named in Dr. Harrison’s memory, the Fellowship is designed to strengthen health equity, drive innovation in drug and diagnostics development, and foster meaningful collaborations across sectors. A pioneer in both MASH therapeutics and diagnostics research, Dr. Harrison was also a passionate advocate for integrating patient insights into the clinical and regulatory process. He believed deeply in the power of lived experience to shape scientific progress and improve outcomes.

“Dr. Harrison never saw patients as passive participants in care—he treated them as partners in the pursuit of progress,” said Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF. “This Fellowship is grounded in that same spirit. It’s about carrying forward his values by building and supporting a new generation of liver patient advocates who will help shape the future of research, policy, and care.”

The inaugural year of the Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, the founding supporter of the program.

"Dr. Harrison was a visionary, and it was a privilege to work alongside him throughout the resmetirom development journey," said Dr. Rebecca Taub, Founder and Senior Scientific and Medical Advisor of Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. "This fellowship is a meaningful way to carry forward his commitment to patients, science, and the future of liver health."

On behalf of the Harrison family, Anna-Lauren Harrison, daughter of Dr. Harrison, shared, “Our family is deeply touched by this tribute. My father was devoted to improving the lives of people living with liver disease. We are grateful to see his commitment live on through the voices and leadership of this new generation of advocates.”

Applications for the first Fellowship cohort are now open. Learn more and apply by July 14, 2025.