July 3, 2003
To: |
IC Directors |
From: |
Acting Director, Executive Secretariat |
Subject: |
IC Directors' Meeting Highlights
June 19, 2003 |
Discussion Items:
l. A Center for Advanced Biomedical Technology
Dr. von Eschenbach discussed the NCI's challenge goal "to eliminate
the suffering and
death due to Cancer" by 2015, noting that NCI will move toward this
goal by establishing
a paradigm that spans the research continuum of discovery, development
and delivery. As
part of this effort, Dr. von Eschenbach presented a vision of redesigning
and redeploying
NCI facilities at Frederick to create a national advanced biomedical technology
center that
would not only serve the NCI mission but other ICs and the research community
at large.
He welcomed comments and input from all ICs.
Following a lively discussion of the promise of such a vision as well
as the potential impact
on other IC and trans-NIH activities, Dr. Zerhouni asked Dr. von Eschenbach
to convene a
working group of IC Directors to consider all the issues including the
scientific
underpinning and future common needs and to advise him on the issues and
feasibility of
such a center.
ll. Budget Retreat
Dr. Zerhouni reminded everyone that the June 20 Budget Retreat would
serve to crystallize
how the Road Map plans would move forward. He urged that the group concentrate
on
identifying championed ideas that are transforming, synergistic, necessary,
and compelling
to our stakeholders.
lll. Update from HHS Management Retreat
Dr. Kington reported on the June 17 and 18 HHS management retreat that
he, Mr. Leasure,
and Mr. Graeff attended in full. Dr Gottesman attended the first day as
well. Stating that
other HHS operating divisions shared NIH concerns over how to balance
their scientific
missions with resources and HHS management initiatives, Dr. Kington said
that human
resource, information technology, and acquisitions issues had been discussed
at length.
He felt it was a valuable meeting at which concerns and suggestions were
fully aired and
noted that Dr. Zerhouni would soon be meeting with the Secretary regarding
the ARAC
findings.
IV. Other Information Items
Announcing that there would be special musical entertainment, Dr. Gallin
invited
everyone to attend the July 9 celebration and picnic in honor of the 50th
Anniversary of the
Clinical Center.
/s/
Dale Johnson
cc: OD Staff
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