IC Directors’ Meeting Highlights — Thursday, August 25, 2016

Announcements: Francis Collins

Dr. Collins discussed his upcoming visits to Purdue University, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago. He also announced Dr. Diana Bianchi as the new NICHD Director and Dr. John Gallin as the new Chief Scientific Officer of the Clinical Center and Associate Director for Clinical Research, and welcomed Dr. Patti Brennan, the Director of NLM, to the meeting. A reminder about the upcoming Clinical Center town hall meeting and overviews of the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel report and recent briefings with Congressional staff also were given.

Transition Update: Larry Tabak

Dr. Tabak (DEPD) presented an overview of the current guidance for the Presidential transition materials. The discussion focused on the due date and what should be included in the materials prepared by the ICs.

OBSSR Strategic Plan: Bill Riley

Dr. Riley (OBSSR) presented on the OBSSR Strategic Plan, and provided information on the process and timeline, guiding principles, and scientific priorities. The discussion focused on the advisory committee and the key areas.

OER Budget Process: Mike Lauer

Dr. Lauer (DDER) provided an overview of the current OER budgeting process, data on the growing OER operations, and the proposed OER budgeting process. The IC Directors responded positively to the proposal.

BRAIN Update: Walter Koroshetz

Dr. Koroshetz (NINDS) discussed recent updates from the BRAIN initiative, including the timeline, recent scientific and technologic advances, the neuroethics group, the funding breakdown, the distribution of investigators, upcoming meetings, and major challenges. The discussion concentrated on the neuroethics and the management strategy (e.g., prioritization).