Overview
Title
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meeting
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is having a secret meeting on February 26, 2021, to talk about special projects and ideas that need to stay private. They will do this meeting over the computer, so everything stays safe and secure.
Summary AI
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases announced a closed meeting of its Special Emphasis Panel. This meeting, set for February 26, 2021, will focus on reviewing and evaluating grant applications without public access, as it might involve sensitive personal information and confidential data, like trade secrets and potential patents. The meeting will occur virtually, ensuring the confidentiality of the discussions. For further details, interested parties can contact Dr. Ellen S. Buczko at the National Institutes of Health.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register announces a planned closed meeting by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the Health and Human Services Department under the National Institutes of Health. The meeting, set for February 26, 2021, is designated a closed session under federal law, specifically sections of Title 5 of the United States Code. The meeting's focus is to review and evaluate grant applications, and it will occur virtually, illustrating the continuing adaptation to digital platforms in response to modern needs.
General Summary
The notice indicates that the NIAID's Special Emphasis Panel will meet to assess grant applications related to a specific research program, identified as "Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Transition Scholar (StARRTS)" with a focus on studies not involving clinical trials. Dr. Ellen S. Buczko will oversee the meeting as the Scientific Review Officer. The document clearly outlines the meeting's exclusion of public access due to potential confidentiality concerns, including the protection of trade secrets and personal privacy.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The primary concern presented in the document revolves around confidentiality and privacy. By law, the meeting is closed to the public to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information, such as trade secrets or patentable ideas, that grant applications might contain. Furthermore, the document stresses the need to protect personal information related to individuals involved with these applications. This consideration underscores the balancing act between transparency in government operations and the protection of proprietary and personal information.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the document signifies a continued commitment to conducting sensitive government and research activities with discretion. While the public will not have direct access to the meeting or its content, this alignment with legal requirements and ethical considerations assures the public that private and potentially market-sensitive information remains protected. This protection is crucial in maintaining trust in federally funded research processes.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For researchers and institutions involved in the grant application process, this meeting represents a critical juncture where potential funding and support for their projects are considered. The closed nature of the meeting protects the proprietary aspects of their proposals, thus safeguarding intellectual property and personal information. Conversely, some might view the lack of transparency as a concern, although the legal provisions are intended to protect all parties fairly.
In summary, while the meeting will be closed to the public, it serves important functions in evaluating research opportunities within the boundaries of confidentiality and privacy. Such measures ensure that sensitive information is not prematurely disclosed, potentially fostering an environment where innovation and research can thrive securely.