The release of the Human Genome last month provides incalculable opportunities as well as challenges for science. The availability of the genome also requires investigations of the ethical, social and legal implications and extensive education of the public and the health professions so that post-genomic research benefits can be translated effectively into practice. The Center for Scientific Review is proceeding with the second phase of its reorganization process. Eleni Kousvelari and Dushanka Kleinman serve on the federal steering committee along with representatives from the National Institutes on Aging, Child Health and Human Development and Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Letters for nominations of individuals to be selected to participate on the Boundaries Study Section committee have been sent to all professional associations.
Expertise is needed in basic, translational and clinical research.
Among the new initiatives are the Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, centers that will be co-sponsored with other NIH institutes and by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Another initiative includes the planning grants for State-wide Models for Oral Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. The grant applications for both these initiatives currently are under review. Specifics for each NIH component are not available at this time. It is anticipated that the appropriation hearings for the House this year will be organized in a similar fashion to those in the Senate.