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Announcements: Francis Collins

Dr. Collins provided an overview of recent and upcoming Congressional hearings, activities, and visits, including a recent visit by Sen. Mikulski. Brief updates on Zika, the Pharmaceutical Development Section (PDS) Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) Working Group (“Red Team”) report, the Rall Cultural Lecture with Diane Rehm, senior leadership searches, and the announcement of Eric Dishman as PMI Cohort Program Director were given.

Budget and Scope Negotiations: Mike Lauer, John Lorsch

Drs. Lauer (DDER) and Lorsch (NIGMS) presented on the current and proposed policies for revised aims and budgets. The discussion focused on the potential impact and support.

Tracking Investigators and Grants: Mike Lauer, John Lorsch

Dr. Lauer (DDER) provided an overview of the data on the number of submitted applications and individual awardees. The discussion centered on the implications for young investigators and physician scientists, potential impact of focusing on people rather than grants, communication of information and differences between application/workforce rate and success rate, and the R21 program.

NCI’s K08-K23/K24 Proposal: Doug Lowy

Dr. Lowy (NCI) provided a summary of the proposal to merge the K08 and K23 awards for NCI, including information on the similarities between the awards, the potential review caveats, and the possible unintended consequences.  The discussion centered on the historical rationale for the K23 awards, the impact on patient-oriented research and diversity, the messaging, and the evaluation of this program going forward.