FR 2021-00386

The document from the Federal Register announces a closed meeting of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Developmental Biology Subcommittee. Scheduled for February 26, 2021, the virtual meeting is from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will focus on reviewing and evaluating grant applications. The meeting is closed because the discussions could reveal sensitive information, including trade secrets and personal details about individuals involved.

Summary

This announcement is about a specific meeting organized by a subcommittee within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which falls under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The meeting has been labeled as "closed," meaning the general public is not permitted to attend. The closed nature is justified by certain sections of Title 5 of the U.S. Code, which relate to the confidentiality of trade secrets and personal privacy.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A key concern is the lack of detailed criteria for closing this meeting, aside from citing legal codes that might not be easily understood by the public. While the laws mentioned provide legal justification, they do not clarify the specific reasons to the layperson. Furthermore, the document does not specify the measures being taken to ensure the confidentiality of the information being discussed, which is important given the potential disclosure of sensitive information.

Another point is that the document does not explain why the meeting is held virtually. While virtual meetings have become more common, a lack of rationale could lead to questions regarding the decision's reasoning, especially if cost, convenience, or public health factors are at play.

Additionally, the contact information provided lists a personal email address without any clarification on how queries related to the meeting are managed. This might appear unprofessional or unclear in a formal notice.

Finally, there is no detailed agenda for the meeting provided in the announcement. This omission may limit the public's understanding of the meeting's specific goals and discussions.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the announcement might not have an immediate impact beyond informational purposes, as it addresses a meeting they cannot attend. However, its content might foster curiosity or concern about transparency, especially given the closed nature of the discussions and the lack of clear explanations within the notice.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders, such as grant applicants or researchers, the closed meeting can have significant implications. Confidentiality is crucial for protecting sensitive information related to research and intellectual property. Thus, the assurance that the meeting will be closed may be reassuring, given the potential risks of information leaks.

Conversely, the lack of detail could generate unease, particularly among individuals or entities that value transparency and hope for a greater understanding of decisions impacting their profession or research area. Additionally, stakeholders who may wish to address issues related to public health or scientific innovation might feel sidelined due to the lack of open discussion.