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IC Directors' Meeting Highlights |
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November 17, 2005
Dr. Zerhouni opened the meeting by welcoming Dr. Schwartz, who was attending his first IC Directors meeting since beginning as Director of NIEHS, and leading the group in a round of applause. Discussion Items I. Knock Out Mouse Project (KOMP) Dr. Battey summarized the rationale for the NIH working to establish a comprehensive knock out mouse resource and the work done so far on the project. He reviewed the recommendations of the March 2005 workshop and outlined five initiatives proposed by the KOMP working group to implement those recommendations. After presenting cost estimates for the initiatives and thanking those ICs already actively participating in the project, Dr. Battey emphasized that although the project will involve moderate costs now for all ICs that join, it will result in large cost savings in the future. Discussion that followed reflected support from many among the group. Drs. Battey and Collins wrapped up by saying they would distribute the slides used in the morning’s presentation and look forward to responses from the ICs regarding participation in funding the project. Before moving on to the next item on the agenda, Dr. Zerhouni asked Dr. Collins to briefly update the group regarding possible acquisition of knock out mouse and phenotyping resources from DeltaGen. Dr. Collins reported that developments during negotiations had somewhat changed DeltaGen’s circumstances, but that work toward acquiring the resources was still going on. Some participants suggested and the group, including Dr. Zerhouni, agreed that the change in circumstances called for a re-examination of the NIH’s role in preserving DeltaGen’s valuable resources. II. Draft Reauthorization Bill Referring to the discussion draft of an NIH reauthorization bill that was distributed in advance of the meeting, Dr. Zerhouni described the current situation as fluid and asked for the group’s feedback regarding the draft to help him in addressing anticipated questions during the hearing scheduled for July 19. Mr. Smolonsky reviewed the background of NIH reauthorization and of Mr. Barton’s personal interest in the issue. He then summarized the major provisions of the discussion draft. Broad discussion followed his remarks. Afterward, Mr. Smolonsky said he already had many written comments from IC Directors and could continue to receive more, and he noted that OLPA and OGC were carefully analyzing the entire draft. Dr. Zerhouni emphasized the opportunity for the group’s concerns and ideas to inform his testimony at the upcoming hearing. Tom Gill cc: |
This page was last reviewed on September 21, 2006 . |
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
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