FR 2025-00491

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a notice about an upcoming closed meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025, which will focus on reviewing and evaluating grant applications concerning epilepsy incidence among children in the United States. The meeting will be held via teleconference. As specified, the meeting is not open to the public due to discussions that may involve confidential trade secrets or personal information.

General Summary

This federal notice is a communication by the CDC detailing an upcoming meeting centered on grant applications related to epilepsy in children. Such meetings are essential for evaluating potential research projects and allocating funding to studies that may advance understanding and treatment of such conditions. The closed nature of the meeting is intended to protect sensitive information related to trade secrets or personal data that could be disclosed during the review.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One primary issue with the notice is the lack of specific detail regarding why the meeting is closed. While it mentions that confidential trade secrets and personal privacy concerns justify the closure, it does not specify exactly what information is deemed confidential. More transparency here could provide greater clarity about what necessitates privacy in this context.

Additionally, the notice lists contact information for Dr. Catherine Barrett, who can provide more details about the meeting. However, the provided email address might be confusing due to its placeholder-like nature: CBarrett@cdc.gov. Clarification or verification of this contact detail is important to ensure that stakeholders can communicate effectively with the appropriate person.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the closed nature of the meeting may lead to a lack of accessibility to understand what considerations go into CDC grant funding decisions. While deliberations about research projects play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge, the audience is limited in understanding how these decisions impact future medical research and public health initiatives.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For researchers and institutions applying for these grants, the meeting represents a critical juncture in the funding process. Positive evaluations could result in significant financial support for research, potentially leading to breakthroughs in managing or understanding epilepsy in children.

For patient advocacy groups and the families of children affected by epilepsy, the ultimate outcomes of these grant decisions can be highly impactful. Successful research spurred by these grants could lead to improved treatment methods, enhancing quality of life for many. However, the opaque nature of the proceedings might frustrate stakeholders desiring more involvement or awareness in how public funds are allocated toward health research.

In conclusion, while such closed meetings are standard for protected discussions, clearer communication regarding why specific information needs to remain confidential and ensuring accessible contact pathways for stakeholders are vital steps toward transparency and effective public engagement.