FR 2024-30880

This document from the Federal Register comes from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. It announces a specific closed meeting of a Special Emphasis Panel, focusing on the review of grant applications. The meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2025, and will take place virtually, making it convenient for attendees who might not be local to the area. This panel meeting is closed to the public, which implies that sensitive information will be discussed, such as confidential trade secrets or personal data related to grant applications.

General Summary

The notice provides essential information such as the date, time, and format of the meeting. It also specifies the contact person, Dr. Bita Nakhai, who can provide further details. The decision to close the meeting is based on certain sections of the U.S. Code, which are established to protect sensitive information.

Significant Issues

While the document fulfills legal obligations by announcing the meeting and providing relevant contact details, it doesn't explain in detail why the meeting is closed beyond citing the statutes. This lack of detail might cause some concern because it doesn't provide specific reasons for confidentiality. Such transparency might be improved by giving more information about the type of sensitive data that necessitates a closed session.

The use of technical language and references may also present challenges to those not well-versed in legal jargon. Phrases like "sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C." and "Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.866" are not easily understood by the general public without additional context or explanation.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document signifies that a process of reviewing grant applications is ongoing at the National Institute on Aging. While the public is not directly involved in these meetings, they may have a vested interest in understanding how government agencies allocate resources and support research initiatives.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For those within the scientific community or involved in aging research, this closed meeting is of particular significance. Researchers whose grant applications are being reviewed will be directly impacted by the outcomes of this meeting. The confidentiality ensures that their intellectual property and sensitive information are protected, which is a positive aspect. However, for stakeholders who advocate for transparency in government processes, the closed nature of the meeting might be seen in a negative light. They might argue for greater public access to government decision-making processes.

In conclusion, this notice outlines a typical procedural event within a federal agency, vital for the supportive frameworks of research funding. However, it also highlights a tension between necessary confidentiality and public transparency, an issue common in many governmental functions.