Premise: In September, 1998, an invitation was sent by that committee to Dr. Chopra and others to appear before the committee, and a notice of meeting was issued for October 1, 1998. That meeting, however, was cancelled as the scientists stated that they were concerned about the repercussions on their careers if they appeared before our committee.
Hypothesis: The passage is referring to Dr. Shiv Chopra, a Canadian microbiologist.