FR 2025-04495

The document is a notice from the National Institutes of Health regarding an upcoming closed meeting for the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Special Emphasis Panel. This meeting is scheduled for May 1-2, 2025, and will be conducted virtually. The primary purpose of this meeting is to review and evaluate grant applications related to complementary and integrative health research. The meeting is closed to the public to protect sensitive information, including trade secrets, personal data, and patentable material associated with the grant applications.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A notable issue with the document is the absence of an abstract, which would provide a brief overview for readers to quickly grasp the purpose and significance of the notice. The lack of a clearly stated abstract may lead to confusion or additional effort for individuals trying to understand the context of the meeting.

Additionally, the document cites specific legal exemptions—552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6)—as justification for closing the meeting to the public. However, it does not provide detailed explanations for each exemption. A more comprehensive explanation could enhance transparency and allow the public to better understand the necessity of a closed meeting.

The meeting details include both a physical address and a note that the meeting will be virtual, potentially creating confusion about the meeting format. Clarifying whether the listed address is relevant for any specific reason would help mitigate misunderstanding for those interested in the proceedings.

Lastly, technical terms such as "SBIR/STTR" and "Extramural Activities" are not explained, which might pose challenges for readers who are not familiar with these terms. Providing brief explanations could make the document more accessible, especially for individuals outside the scientific and academic communities.

Public Impact

For the general public, this closed meeting will have limited immediate impact but underscores ongoing governmental efforts to support research in complementary and integrative health. The research that stems from such grant reviews can potentially lead to advancements in health solutions that may become accessible to the public.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For researchers and organizations involved in complementary and integrative health research, this notice is significant. It indicates the ongoing evaluation and potential funding of innovative projects. Although the meeting itself is closed, successful grant applicants may receive crucial funding and expertise, which can accelerate their research initiatives.

Conversely, the closed nature of the meeting may concern some stakeholders who advocate for greater transparency in governmental decision-making, especially in how grants are reviewed and allocated.

In conclusion, while the notice reflects routine procedures by the National Institutes of Health to advance health research, clarity and transparency in addressing certain document aspects could enhance public understanding and trust in the process.