Study sections that see more clinical proposals score both groups equally well. But many CSR study sections don't meet the 30 percent benchmark. This is the problem that Ehrenfeld is now trying to fix. Rather, the trouble comes in reviewing translational research linking a laboratory with a single patient, or small trials carried out in a single center. In an era when, as NIH Director Varmus has said, molecular medicine is beginning to take hold, this research is becoming more important.
Clinical research is very difficult to do because the studies frequently take so long.
However, it must be supported, because the stakes for good translational research are so high. While I'm not certain that we know enough yet to act decisively, there is a very strong perception of a crisis out there that needs to be addressed. But even if the answers aren't obvious, Yamamoto likes the approach that Ehrenfeld is now taking. Inc. All rights reserved. We welcome your opinion.