FR 2021-00576

The document titled "National Institute on Drug Abuse; Notice of Closed Meeting," published on January 14, 2021, in the Federal Register, relates to a closed session organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2021, and its aim is to review and evaluate grant applications concerning interventions to prevent the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among adolescents.

Summary

To provide some context, this meeting will be strictly confidential and not open to the public. The reason for this is the potential exposure of sensitive information, including trade secrets and personal data associated with grant applications. The meeting is organized under the purview of the Health and Human Services Department, particularly the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Yvonne Owens Ferguson is designated as the Scientific Review Officer, and she can be contacted for further details regarding the meeting.

Issues and Concerns

The principal concern surrounding the meeting is its closed nature, as it involves discussions of sensitive and confidential content. While this is a standard procedure aiming to protect proprietary information and personal privacy, it may raise questions about transparency and accountability in public health matters. This is particularly true for stakeholders or parties interested in the outcomes of the reviewed grants and any resulting research developments.

Public Impact

The areas discussed within these grant applications bear significant relevance to the general public, given the rising use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among adolescents. The outcomes from evaluated interventions could lead to advanced strategies to combat nicotine use in younger populations, potentially reducing long-term health risks.

Impact on Stakeholders

For researchers and institutions involved in the grant applications, this meeting represents an opportunity to secure funding and support for impactful studies. A positive outcome for them may offer further opportunities for innovation and exploration in tobacco cessation methodologies. On the other hand, the closed nature of the meeting ensures that personal and confidential information remains secure, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and privacy of all associated stakeholders.

In sum, while the notice of the NIDA's closed meeting effectively outlines the objectives and confidential nature of the event, it also inadvertently highlights ongoing debates regarding public access to decisions that may affect public health initiatives. Nonetheless, the potential advancements stemming from the meeting could have widespread benefits toward reducing adolescent nicotine use, thus positively impacting public health in the longer term.