ODS Supports Conference Proposals Developed by NIH Institutes, Centers, and Divisions

One purpose specified by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA, Public Law 103-417) for the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is to promote the scientific study of dietary supplements in maintaining health and reducing the risk of chronic disease. To meet this objective the ODS set aside funds in FY1998 to support a limited number of scientific workshops and symposia to stimulate research on dietary supplements that were initiated by the Institutes, Centers, and Divisions (ICDs) at NIH. Similar to the highly successful program of this nature organized by the NIH Office of Rare Diseases, workshops or symposia related to dietary supplements, but lacking sufficient funds within the program plans of the ICDs were submitted for consideration by the ODS. Short descriptions of the proposed meetings with scope and expected outcomes were submitted to the ODS in fall 1997.

Primary consideration for support was given to sessions that deal with those dietary supplements or groups of supplements where current research activity is lacking or lagging, or if there is a likelihood of stimulating research as a possible outcome of the session(s). In addition, special consideration was given to proposals dealing with supplements where the data appears conflicting or where a highly focused scientific workshop might clarify research findings and gaps in science.

Through this program in FY98 the ODS selected 13 conferences, workshops, or symposia submitted by 10 ICDs for which the office is providing support and serving as a co-sponsor. These meetings are currently in the initial planning stages. Support for each conference is in the range of $10,000 to $20,000. Information about the specific conference activities will be posted on the ODS Homepage when available.