Genome Program Director Smith Retires from DOE OHER

OHER Research Programs

Based on mandates from Congress, DOE OHER's principal mission is to (1) develop the knowledge necessary to identify, understand, and anticipate long-term health and environmental consequences of energy use and development and (2) employ DOE's unique scientific and technological capabilities in solving major scientific problems in medicine, biology, and the environment.

Because of its multidisciplinary nature, OHER's programs are organized and managed in three divisions: HELSRD, Medical Applications and Biophysical Research (MABRD), and Environmental Sciences (ESD). Some programs are administered jointly by the staffs of two or all three divisions. OHER organization and program areas are depicted at right.

Current HELSRD priorities emphasize the use of unique resources and tools developed in the human genome, structural biology, and cellular and molecular biology programs. MABRD has a long history of support for medical imaging and diagnostic modalities. HELSRD and MABRD have recently initiated a new program in computational structural biology.

ESD supports basic research in aspects of global climate change, including the fate of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, ecological effects, and climate modeling. ESD also supports research in the fundamental sciences that will underpin the development of new technologies for cleanup of the nation's nuclear weapons processing and production sites. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, OHER technical staff is responsible for managing, planning, and developing programs for the organization, whose FY 1996 budget totals $419.5 million. [See DOE Human Genome Program funding announcements.] The staff establishes strategy, priorities, and schedules; defines resource allocations; coordinates peer reviews of research proposals, program reviews, and evaluations; and maintains close liaison with other DOE programs, federal agencies, Congress, and the scientific community. (OHER contacts: 301/903-6488, Fax: -8521, genome@oer.doe.gov, http://www.er.doe.gov/production/ober/ober_top.html

Office of Health and Environmental Research

Health Effects and Life Sciences Research Division
Marvin Frazier, Acting Director, (301) 903-5468

Structural Biology
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Human Genome/Microbial Genome
Health Effects

-Biological Research

Medical Applications and Biophysical Research Division
Roland Hirsch, Acting Director (301) 903-3213

Medical Applications

-Radioisotope Development

-Radiopharmaceuticals

-Instrumentation

-Clinical Feasibility

-Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

-Molecular Nuclear Medicine

Environmental Sciences Division
Michelle Broido, Acting Director (301) 903-3281

Climate and Hydrology

-Climate Modeling and Computer Hardware Advanced Mathematics, and Model Physics (CHAMMP)

-Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM)

-Unmanned Air Vehicle

Atmospheric Chemistry and Carbon Cycle

-Atmospheric Science

-Marine Transport

-Carbon Cycle

-Oceans Research

Ecological Processes

-Ecosystem Function and Response

-Vegetation