FR 2025-04572

The document is a public notice regarding a closed meeting of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Scheduled for April 21-22, 2025, this virtual meeting will focus on the evaluation of grant applications concerning innovative approaches to radiation biodosimetry and the development of medical countermeasures. This meeting has been deemed closed to the public to protect confidential trade secrets and personal information associated with the grant applications.

General Summary

This Federal Register notice announces a meeting managed by the NIAID under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The subject matter of discussion includes grant applications that touch on sensitive areas such as radiation-related medical responses and new technological proposals, which merit a degree of confidentiality. The notice is administrative in nature, informing interested parties about the logistics and purpose of the meeting, while also including contact information for stakeholders who may have further inquiries or need to reach out for more context.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A major issue addressed in the notice is the confidentiality necessary for the meeting's proceedings. As the discussions could involve trade secrets, patentable material, and personal data related to grant applicants, the meeting will not be open to the public. This raises broader questions about the balance between transparency in governmental processes and the need to protect sensitive information. By restricting access, the organizers aim to prevent any unwarranted invasions of privacy for the individuals and entities involved.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this notice serves as an insight into the governmental procedures and meticulous scrutiny applied to scientific research funding. While most citizens may not be directly affected by the outcomes of this meeting, the indirect benefits include advancements in public health and safety that stem from improved medical responses to radiation exposure. Furthermore, the research and innovations discussed have the potential to considerably advance the fields of allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases, which can lead to broader societal benefits in terms of health care innovation and readiness.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Individuals directly involved in submitting grant applications to the NIAID are the primary stakeholders. They stand to benefit from the potential acceptance and funding of their projects if selected. The research community at large, particularly those interested in medical countermeasures and radiation research, may see advancements and new collaborations emerging from the deliberations of this meeting.

Additionally, industries involved in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology could be impacted positively if the meeting results in the acceleration of new, funded research endeavors that require their collaboration or support. On the flip side, enterprises with competing interests might view the developments from this meeting as challenging if new technologies outpace their current capabilities.

Overall, the document outlines a structured approach to selecting pivotal research for governmental support, reflecting a larger framework of investment in scientific and medical advancements that serve public welfare.