FR 2025-04750

The document from the Federal Register announces a closed meeting organized by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This meeting, scheduled for April 30, 2025, will be held virtually and is intended to review and evaluate grant applications focused on gynecological health. The meeting is not open to the public due to confidentiality concerns regarding sensitive information that may involve trade secrets or personal privacy issues.

General Summary

The notice informs the public that the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is holding a closed meeting. Set to take place virtually, the meeting will engage select participants in reviewing and evaluating applications for grants related to gynecological health. The document specifies that the closure to public attendance is in accordance with federal regulations that protect confidential information from being disclosed publicly. Inquiries about the meeting are directed to Dr. Vera A. Cherkasova of the institute's Scientific Review Branch.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One area of concern in the document is the lack of specificity regarding the reasons for confidentiality. While it broadly mentions protecting trade secrets and personal privacy, it does not provide detailed context or examples of the types of information that warrant such privacy. Additionally, the meeting agenda is vaguely defined, stating only that the purpose is "to review and evaluate grant applications," without elaborating on the specific objectives or criteria used in assessments.

Moreover, the mention of both a physical address and a virtual format for the meeting could cause confusion. It is unclear whether participants have the option to attend in person or if all activities will be strictly online.

The role of Dr. Vera A. Cherkasova as the contact person is noted, but further context about her qualifications or relevance to the meeting's content could offer more clarity to those interested in reaching out for additional information.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the document underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality in discussions that could involve proprietary or private information. The closed nature of the meeting emphasizes the safeguards in place to protect sensitive data, which might foster general trust in how public institutions manage confidential affairs.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders directly involved or interested in gynecological health research, such as small business owners and researchers, may find this meeting particularly crucial. For participants, this closed environment ensures that potentially innovative concepts or sensitive personal data remain protected, potentially providing a secure foundation for developments in this field.

On the other hand, stakeholders not included in the meeting might feel excluded due to the lack of transparency about which specific issues or advancements are being reviewed. This could lead to frustrations for those advocating for greater transparency in governmental and institutional processes.

In conclusion, while the Federal Register notice lays out the essentials about the upcoming closed meeting, it raises several questions about transparency and specificity that might impact a range of public and private sector interests. These areas warrant careful consideration by both organizers and stakeholders to ensure the process meets legal standards while fostering trust.