STEP Forum on Cultural Matters in Science

The staff training in extramural programs (STEP) committee will present an Administrative Strategies forum on the topic, “Culture Matters in Research: Ignore at Your Peril!” on Tuesday, May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Lister Hill Auditorium, Bldg. 38A.

“Culture counts!” That was the take-home message from the 2001 Surgeon General’s report on mental health. Many terms—culturally competent, culturally relevant and community-based—are used to discuss how culture can inform public health research. But what is culturally appropriate research? How can culturally based research maximize NIH resources and generate solutions with optimal public health impact? What role do the IRG, IRB and NIH extramural staffs play in the pre-application, review and post-award phases of culturally relevant research projects? How can we ensure that the study design and approach are appropriate for the targeted population? Is culture something that we can measure? Join us for a dialogue with NIH staff and expert investigators who will discuss the impact of culture in the context of research, tackling sensitive issues that are critical for a successful outcome.

Parenting Festival Set, May 7

The sixth annual NIH Parenting Festival will be held on Wednesday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Bldg. 50’s first floor conference area. As in past years, there will be representatives from many institutes to share information that benefits children and families. NIH support services for health, finance, benefits and work life will also participate. There will be activities, prizes and free resources including “Ask the Parenting Specialist” for all NIH employees. The event is sponsored by the NIH child care board and the ORS Division of Amenities and Transportation Services. For more information call Mary Ellen Savarese or Tonya Lee at (301) 402-8180 or email leet2@mail.nih.gov.

Yoga Week Debuts at NIH, May 19-23

On May 19-23, NIH will host the first annual Yoga Week. Highlighting the science and practice of yoga, the 5-day series of events will serve both employees and the public. Whether you are a yoga novice or an experienced student, NIH Yoga Week will present you with the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable instructors and medical experts about the science and practice of yoga.

Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine, acting director of the Office of Strategic and Innovative Programs, NHLBI, and her team have partnered with R&W, ORS, NCI and NCCAM, as well as Weight Watchers International, Thrive Yoga studio in Rockville and the International Association of Yoga Therapists to assemble several programs. There is no cost to participate.

The kickoff will be held on Monday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Natcher auditorium. Along with lectures by current NIH grantees conducting research on yoga and presentations by leading yoga instructors, the week’s events incorporate “karma yoga,” which is a theme of giving back to the community and those in need. Two charity outreach events will take place during Yoga Week, for the Safra Family Lodge and Manna Food Center in Rockville.

For more information, visit http://does.ors.od.nih.gov/fitness/yogaWeek.htm or join the Yoga Week listserv by sending an email to listserv@list.nih.gov and writing in the body of the email: SUBSCRIBE NIHYOGAWEEKMAY08. Further questions may be sent to Permuth-Levine at levinerac@mail.nih.gov.

New ID Badge Web Site

Visit NIH’s newest web site—www.idbadge.nih.gov—and check out the new HHS ID badge and how it may affect you. On Apr. 21, the new site went live to keep NIH up to date on a 2004 Presidential directive that all federal agencies use a common ID badge. The new badge will replace existing NIH badges for all NIH employees and contractors and is part of a comprehensive program to protect federal buildings, property, individuals, IT systems and data.

caBIG Fifth Annual Meeting, June 23-25

The upcoming caBIG annual meeting has been organized by NCI’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology. On day 1, attendees will learn the basics about NCI’s cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG) and how it can help you and your organization accelerate biomedical research. Day offers insight into caBIG and how it is already driving changes in biomedical research for investigators and institutions across the country. The third day includes a look “under the hood” of caBIG and what it can do for you. The meeting will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. Register at https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/2008AnnualMeeting/. The meeting is free and open to the public.

NIH Holds 36th Annual Asian Heritage Month Observance

“Leadership, Diversity, Harmony: Gateway to Success in Science,” NIH’s 36th annual Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance, will be held on Monday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to noon in Wilson Hall, Bldg. 1. Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Nakamura, NIMH deputy director and acting scientific director, will discuss the theme. For details about the program, call Tyrone Banks, (301) 451-0748. For reasonable accommodation, call Carlton Coleman, (301) 496-2906.

APAO Salutes Asian Heritage Month

Everyone is invited to attend a special luncheon program on Tuesday, May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to mark Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. The theme is “Celebrating Asian Pride in Family, Partnerships and Progress.” The program will be held on the patio of Bldg. 31A and will feature the sale of Asian food from local restaurants. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Inn at NIH. The event will also feature the Tai Yim Kung Fu School performing a traditional Chinese lion dance and representatives from the NIH Paddling Club’s dragon boat team, NIH Federal Credit Union, PHS scientist professional advisory committee and the NIH Asian and Pacific Islander American Organization.

This event is sponsored by the APAO. For more information, call Donna Wells at (301) 496-5248.

Women’s Health Week Set, May 12-16

The National Women’s Health Week initiative, coordinated yearly by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.

During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups will work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease. NIH will celebrate the week this year—Monday through Friday, May 12-16— with the following activities:

Each day, May 12-16
ORWH exhibit with women’s health literature from NIH institutes and centers
Bldg. 10, 3rd-fl. bridge
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14
Celebrate Safety at NIH, National Police Week BBQ
Bldg. 1 front lawn (in case of rain, Bldg. 31 patio)
Cost: $7 per lunch
ORWH table with IC women’s health literature

Thursday, May 15
Meet the Cast of the Podcast
Bldg. 10, 3rd- fl. bridge 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Guests from previous “Pinn Point on Women’s Health” podcasts will be available for half-hour segments to speak one-on-one with visitors to the exhibit area. Welcome by Dr. Vivian Pinn, NIH associate director for research on women’s health

Friday, May 16
NIH Community Forum on the Future of Women’s Health Research
Sponsored by ORWH and the NIH coordinating committee on research on women’s health Lipsett Amphitheater, Bldg. 10 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bike to Work Day, May 16

Bike to Work Day will be held Friday, May 16. You can register and designate NIH as your pit stop at www.waba.org/events/btwd/md_nih.php. Join fellow cyclists on the main campus, Rockledge or Executive Blvd. for food, fun, prize raffles, free T-shirts and more.

NIH won the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ award for highest Bike to Work Day participation in 2006 and 2007. We want to defend that title and win for the third year in a row. If you want food, goodie bags and the chance to enter a prize raffle and inter-institute competition, you need to designate NIH as your pit stop.

The main campus event will start around 7 a.m. and run until at least 9:30. Show up on a bike and wear a helmet—that’s the only way to qualify for food and the prize raffle. The event will be held rain or shine.