HEALTH, EDUCATION HEALTH SERVICE DATE: May 17, 1979 SUBJECT: Charter for the Committee on Federal Research Into the Biological ISSUE Request to establish the Committee on Federal Research Into the DISCUSSION In a memorandum dated January 18 (Tab B) you designated me to serve Accordingly, in light of the Congressional and Administration mandates, you asked me to serve as manager to carry out new responsibilities in conducting a comprehensive review of Federal programs of research on the biological effects of ionizing radiation and establishing a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation. In order to carry out these responsibilities, it is necessary for a committee to be established to (1) see that a comprehensive review is carried out of Federal programs of research into the biological effects of ionizing radiation and (2) develop a consensus about appropriate elements and loci of a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation. A proposed committee has been endorsed by interagency representatives the basis of that meeting, several revisions were made in the charter. At the meeting on April 17, the charter for the committee was approved and recommended for your action. On this committee, representatives from all interested agencies within HEW and other departments and agencies would sit as full members. The representatives at the last meeting agreed that work would begin immediately, even prior to formal approval of a charter, because there are a number of pressing issues that must be dealt with quickly. They include: (1) development of a comprehensive inventory of ongoing Federal programs; (2) review of agency proposals to fund research into the biological effects of ionizing radiation; (3) review of proposed Federal research efforts in light of the nuclear reactor accident at Three Mile Island; and (4) review of agencies' statutory responsibilities in radiation research and regulation. RECOMMENDATION That you authorize the establishment of the Committee on Federal Research Into the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation by signing the attached charter (Tab A). HEALTH, EDUCATION Members of Subcommittee on Agency HEALTH SERVICE DATE: May 24, 1979 Enclosed with this memorandum are the following items: 1. Minutes of the first meeting of the Subcommittee [see p.111] 2. Proposed format for developing agency lists of research projects [see p.113] 3. Revised roster of Subcommittee [see p.114] Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Dr. Stonehill Subcommittee on Agency Research Projects Meeting of 21 May 1979 The Subcommittee met at the National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 1, Attending were: Dr. Charles U. Lowe, NIH, (Chairman) Dr. Shlomo Yaniv, NRC Dr. George Simon, EPA Dr. Lawrence Hobson, VA Dr. Charlotte Silverman, FDA Mr. Sam Marcus, NCHS Mr. William A. Felsing, NIOSH Mr. Douglas Hussey, NIH Dr. Elliott H. Stonehill, NCI (Exec. Sec.) The analysis of federal research in ionizing radiation to be conducted by the National Academy of Science was discussed. The materials needed by the NAS for evaluation and review were identified, as well as the schedule for submission, routing, format, etc. It was generally agreed that either a "Face Sheet", or its informational equivalent, would be provided for each individual project or task, by each of the agencies involved. An up-to-date summary of each project (no older than 2 years) would also be provided. In addition an Agency List of research projects studying low level ionizing radiation would be prepared using a uniform format. The Agency Lists will indicate, for each individual research task, the following: Identifier; Principal Investigator; Location; Project Title; Funds allocated for FY 1979, and the year in which the Project was begun. Each Agency shall also indicate the responsible contact official, giving name, title, location and phone number. The latter individual will presumably be the member of this Subcommittee. For intramural research to the extent possible, the information on projects will be presented in a form similar to that used for the extramural projects. The summaries or abstracts should resemble the models used (200 to 250 words generally) for the "SSIE type" of data storage. Estimates of the dollar cost of each project will be needed when exact figures are unavailable. Discussion of the domain to be included in biologic studies of low level radiation projects was extensive and helpful, and enabled a better critical evaluation of each different point of view. The Agencies were requested to err on the side of breadth, allowing NAS to reject projects falling outside the scope of analysis. The NAS contract Draft document of 5/9/79 was next reviewed, and some modifications noted. The chair agreed to forward the suggestions for changes to the Project Officer at NAS. Dr. Gordon's DRAFT document was approved, with a modified title The next meeting of the Subcommittee will be held within one month, at which time each Agency will have available 15 copies of the Lists they are preparing for NAS submission, and 15 example copies of the project data (face sheet and summary) for submission to NAS including extramural and intramural research. It was also agreed that all materials for NAS would be submitted through the Interagency Committee. E. H. Stonehill /mp E. H. Stonehill, Ph.D. |