FR 2021-02275

The document from the Federal Register announces a closed meeting by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to evaluate grant applications. This meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2021, and will be conducted virtually. The session will review research projects that do not involve clinical trials. Zhuqing (Charlie) Li, Ph.D., is designated as the Scientific Review Officer for the meeting, emphasizing the technical and confidential nature of the discussions.

General Summary

This notice informs about a closed meeting regarding the evaluation of grant applications submitted to NIAID. The meeting is closed to the public to maintain confidentiality involving trade secrets and personal privacy. It falls under specific U.S. legal statutes that authorize such closure to protect sensitive information. These discussions play a crucial role in advancing research in the fields of allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases by providing necessary funds to promising projects.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A few concerns arise from the way the notice is structured:

1. Lack of Transparency: The document does not provide specifics about the grant applications under review, making it difficult for outsiders to assess decisions made during the closed meeting. This opacity could lead to concerns about possible biases or preferential treatment.

2. Technical Language: References to specific legal sections such as "sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C." may be unfamiliar to the broader public. The absence of explanations for these legal references limits the audience's understanding of the necessity for confidentiality.

3. Accountability Concerns: While the meeting is closed to protect confidentiality, the document does not address how accountability and transparency are maintained, which could be a public concern.

4. Guidance on Communication: Although contact information is provided, there are no details on the types of inquiries that are appropriate, which might lead to confusion or communication challenges for interested parties.

Impact on the Public

Broad Impact: For the general public, the document signals ongoing efforts by government-backed bodies to fund critical research on allergies and infectious diseases. While this research could lead to significant breakthroughs that improve public health, the closed nature of the meeting may raise questions about transparency and the fair allocation of public funds.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:

• Researchers and Institutions: For applicants seeking grants, this meeting is crucial, as it determines potential funding for their research projects. Stepping through a rigorous evaluation process is hopeful; however, the opacity might lead to frustrations if the decision-making process is not fully clear.

• Policy Makers and Watchdogs: They may be concerned with how such closed meetings adhere to public oversight and involve private interests, potentially seeking assurances that the process is both fair and equitable.

While the document is a routine measure in the governance of research funding, balancing the need for confidentiality with the call for transparency remains a pertinent issue highlighted by this notice. As such, it provides an opportunity for government agencies to potentially revise and improve how information about closed meetings is communicated to the public.