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Announcements

Dr. Collins provided brief remarks regarding the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Continuing Resolution and planning process for the FY 2019 budget.  He also discussed highlights from the January 10, 2018, first NIH-Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS) Leadership meeting.  The meeting was successful and NIH looks forward to continuing to have an excellent and productive working relationship with CMS.  NIH is also exploring opportunities to work more closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Dr. Collins also announced that the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, M.D., MPH is planning to attend the next IC Directors’ meeting on January 18, 2018.  Finally, Dr. Collins reminded all IC Directors about the Children’s Inn 2018 Congressional Networking Reception, occurring on January 17, 2018, at the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Collins will present the keynote address at this reception.

IC Flexibility in NRSA Fellowship and Training Funding

Dr. Jon Lorsch, Director National Institute of General Medical Sciences, provided an update on IC flexibility with the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards.  Specifically, Dr. Lorsch explained some of the past challenges of using F30 and F31 research funding mechanisms.  He also outlined two proposals that would require a sustained commitment to training and career development, but allow flexibility in the use of funding mechanisms appropriate to the scientific mission and workforce needs of the ICs.

IC Funding Meritorious Applications When Not Signed onto the FOA

Dr. Michael Lauer, Office of Extramural Research, provided an update on IC funding meritorious applications when ICs are not signed onto the FOA.  Dr. Lauer explained past challenges and outlined a proposal that would provide ICs the maximum flexibility to fund meritorious applications.  The proposed process would allow NIH to fund the best science; foster inter-IC communications; implement a documented process to sign onto a FOA post review; and allow NIH to be more communicative and transparent.

Hiring Update

Dr. Tabak provided a summary on hiring updates that will align with the ReImagine/Optimize NIH efforts.  This includes developing a charter with guiding principles for all NIH hiring actions going forward.