IC Directors’ Meeting Highlights — Thursday, March 24, 2016

Announcements: Francis Collins

Dr. Collins provided an overview of the Science letter on basic research, the Rall Lecture, and Senator Mikulski’s upcoming visit. He also discussed the changes to the NIH Guidelines regarding the review of human gene transfer protocols, as well as the NIH-FDA Joint Leadership Council.

Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Update: Chris Austin

Dr. Austin (NCATS) presented an overview of the progress made towards implementing changes to the CTSA program, including streamlining clinical study startup, harmonizing investigator qualification, and improving clinical study recruitment. The discussion focused on the next steps, and the IC Directors will be updated again in the fall.

F30 Proposal and EAWG Processes: Mike Lauer, Jon Lorsch

Drs. Lauer (DDER) and Lorsch (NIGMS) discussed the proposed change to the F30 NRSA Individual Predoctoral MD/PhD or Other Dual Degree Fellowship Award Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), and provided an overview of the revised Extramural Activities Working Group charter.  The discussion centered on the ICs that would be impacted by the F30 FOA change and the potential implications.

Implementation of the Intramural Research Program (IRP) Plan: Michael Gottesman

Dr. Gottesman (DDIR) provided an update on the implementation of the IRP long-term plan.  The discussion focused on the practicalities of implementing each change.