FR 2021-02391

The document at hand is a notice from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, which is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It announces two upcoming meetings scheduled for March 2021, where grant applications will be reviewed and evaluated. These meetings are planned to be conducted virtually and will be closed to the public to safeguard confidential information and personal privacy.

General Summary

The notice reveals that there are two meetings scheduled. The first meeting will occur on March 3, 2021, while the second meeting is a two-day event on March 10-11, 2021. Both meetings are part of efforts to evaluate important grant applications that may involve sensitive trade secrets and private information. These meetings are vital for advancing research and ensuring high-quality work is funded, as per the objectives of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Dr. Barbara J. Nelson, a Scientific Review Officer, is listed as the point of contact for any queries related to these sessions. The meetings will take place in a virtual format, hosted by the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document, while procedural and necessary, does raise some significant issues.

1. Lack of Detailed Explanation: The notice states that meetings will be closed due to confidentiality and privacy concerns but does not offer detailed explanations beyond standard citations of federal statutes. This might leave the public with questions about the nature and content of the applications under review.

2. Accessibility: There is a lack of information on how individuals who may have a vested interest or need to know more about the meetings can request access or further details. This lack of transparency could be frustrating for stakeholders or interested public parties.

3. Technical and Formal Language: The language used in the notice is formal and somewhat technical, which could be challenging for individuals without specialized knowledge or experience in the field. This might limit understanding and engagement by the general public.

Public Impact

From a broad perspective, the document signifies an ongoing evaluation process that is crucial for advancing scientific research and development, especially in fields that impact public health. While the public may not be directly engaged, these meetings serve to progress research that could ultimately lead to medical and technological advancements benefiting society at large.

Impact on Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders, such as researchers, institutions, and companies involved in grant applications, this document marks a critical decision-making phase. Researchers and institutions may be directly affected by the outcomes of these reviews, as funding decisions hinging on these meetings can determine the trajectory of their research projects and potential innovations. The closed nature of the meetings, however, means these stakeholders must trust in the review process without directly participating or observing.

The notice, given its official and regulatory nature, underscores a point in the procedural journey of scientific funding and research approval. While essential for administrative purposes, it holds varying degrees of significance depending on one's role, whether as a member of the general public or as a direct stakeholder.