IC Directors’ Meeting Highlights — March 12, 2015

Dr. Collins discussed the departure of Dr. Harold Varmus (NCI), and Dr. Fauci (NIAID) provided an update on Ebola-related activities. Dr. Collins also provided a recap of the recent House Appropriations Committee and Senate HELP Committee hearings, as well as upcoming Congressional visits. An overview of Pi Day (3.14.15) events was discussed, and a Story Corps clip of two long-time NIH employees was played.

Cryo-EM Expansion: Sriram Subramaniam

Dr. Subramaniam (NCI) presented an overview of the cryo-EM field, including seminal and recent advances, and major challenges facing the field currently. He also provided potential opportunities for trans-NIH partnerships and future applications. The discussion focused on the advantages and disadvantages, as well as current and amended models for moving forward.

Gabriela Miller Kids First Research Act Update: Jim Anderson

Dr. Anderson (DPCPSI) provided an update on the ongoing efforts to develop a program in the Common Fund on pediatric research. The IC Directors discussed the current proposal, as well as specifics of its focus and implementation.

FITARA Update: Andrea Norris, Colleen Barros, Larry Tabak

Ms. Norris (CIT) presented a detailed summary of FITARA — a recent law governing federal IT services — and its potential implications for and impact on NIH. The discussion focused on details of the legislation and information on the OMB guidance that is being developed.