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May 2, 2006

2006

May 2, 2006

HEADLINE

NIEHS Unveils Strategic PlanNIEHS Director David Schwartz, M.D. unveiled the institutes new Strategic Plan for research:  New Frontiers in Environmental Sciences and Human Health. In an email announcing the plan, Dr. Schwartz said the new plan will, “emphasize[s] research focused on complex human disease, and calls for inter-disciplinary teams of scientists to investigate a broad spectrum of disease factors, including environmental agents, genetics, age, diet, and activity levels. Recent advances in technology make this emphasis on human health and new integrative approach possible.� In drafting the strategic plan, the NIEHS was charged with responding to the following three major challenges: 
  • Expand the role of clinical research in environmental health sciences.
  • Use environmental toxicants to understand basic mechanisms in human biology.
  • Build integrated environmental health research programs to address the crosscutting problems in human biology and human disease.
The strategic plan articulates seven major areas of activity to respond to the stated challenges, including: 
  • Expand the role of clinical research in environmental health sciences.
  • Use environmental toxicants to understand basic mechanisms in human biology.
  • Build integrated environmental health research programs to address the crosscutting problems in human biology and human disease.
  • Improve and expand community-linked research.
  • Develop sensitive markers of environmental exposure, early (pre-clinical) biological response, and genetic susceptibility.
  • Recruit and train the next generation of environmental health scientists.
  • Foster the development of partnerships between the NIEHS and other NIH institutes, national and international research agencies, academia, industry, and community organizations to improve human health.
The full text of the NIEHS strategic plan can be found on the NIEHS website at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/plan2006/StrategicPlan2006final.pdf

VA RESEARCH

Senate VACommittee Holds Hearings on VA Research Program

 

Last week, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee held hearings on the VA Research program.  The focus of the hearing was on innovation and value of the VA Research program and how the program fits in with the VA Medical Care program.  Testifying at the hearing was Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., Undersecretary for Health, Department of Veterans Affairs.  Dr. Perlin noted that the VA research program conducts first rate science, add the spirit of inquiry to the overall VA health system and attracts top rate physicians to treat our nation’s veterans.

The hearing also discussed the aging infrastructure of the VA laboratory facilities.  The committee heard testimony about the urgent need to invest funds to refurbish existing VA laboratory space.

Sixty-Two Senators Sign VA Dear Colleague Letter

 

In April, 60 members of the Senate joined Senator Craig (R-ID) and Senator Akaka (D-HI) in a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting a $20 million increase in funding for the VA research program for fiscal year 2007.  The strong support for an increase in VA research funding for FY07 is an encouraging sign of support for the program. 

In his budget proposal, President Bush has proposed a $13 million cut in the VA research program.  If enacted, the 13 million cut would severely undermine the effectiveness of the VA research program, would result in a reduction in the number of VA research staff and a cut in the number of VA funded projects.

While the support of 60 Senators on the Craig/Akaka Dear Colleague does necessarily mean the VA research program will receive an increase, it is a strong indication of the Senate support for providing additional funds for the VA research program in FY07.

Points of Contact

Gary Ewart Senior Director, Government Relations
Nuala Moore Senior Legislative Representative
Joe Kirby DC Office Administrator