Search Results for keywords:"conflicts of interest"

The National Institutes of Health announced in the Federal Register that several meetings will be held to review grant applications. These meetings are organized by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The meetings will take place in April 2025 and will be held virtually. They will involve discussions that are closed to the public to protect confidential and private information.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a rule change proposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to amend the rules about removing members from FINRA's National Adjudicatory Council (NAC). This change aligns the reasons for removing a NAC member with those for removing a governor from the FINRA Board, including removal "for any cause affecting the best interests" judged by the FINRA Board. This is intended to enhance governance and assure fair representation of FINRA members, supporting investor protection and public interest through fair and impartial adjudication processes. The decision emphasizes the importance of the NAC's independence, integrity, and freedom from conflicts of interest.

The National Institutes of Health announced several closed committee meetings via the Federal Register notice. These meetings will focus on reviewing and evaluating grant applications. Due to potential confidential information, such as trade secrets and personal data, the meetings will not be open to the public. The meetings will be held virtually, and each meeting has a designated contact person for further inquiries.

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved new rule changes proposed by the National Securities Clearing Corporation, The Depository Trust Company, and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation. These changes revolve around enhancing governance and reducing conflicts of interest within these organizations, ensuring directors and senior managers adhere to specified regulations. The approved framework includes mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest, risks from service providers, and to actively involve stakeholders in key decision-making processes related to risk management and operations. Ultimately, these changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in the operations of these financial clearing agencies.

Executive Order 13989 mandates that all new executive agency appointees, appointed on or after January 20, 2021, sign an ethics pledge. This pledge requires them to avoid conflicts of interest by not accepting gifts from lobbyists, not participating in matters related to former employers for two years, and committing to ethical conduct. It also includes provisions to prevent the sharing of confidential information for private gain and sets post-employment restrictions on lobbying. The order outlines enforcement procedures and allows for waivers in certain circumstances, ensuring commitment to public trust and integrity in the government's day-to-day operations.

The National Science Board's Committee on Oversight has scheduled a teleconference for February 10, 2021, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST, to conduct Board business. The meeting is open to the public and will be held via teleconference through the National Science Foundation. The agenda includes opening remarks, a presentation on merit review analysis, a review of two proposed NSB policies, and a discussion about NSF-funded graduate students' careers. Interested individuals should contact Ann Bushmiller for more information or to listen in.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is planning to hold several proposal review meetings throughout the year. These meetings aim to provide advice on proposals submitted to the NSF for funding and to assess ongoing projects. The meetings will be held at the NSF's headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, and will not be open to the public due to confidential information being discussed. Information about these meetings, including changes and schedules, will be available on the NSF website, and similar notices will be published quarterly.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking nominations for individuals to become members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Nominees should have expertise in areas like research evaluation, clinical prevention, and health promotion, and must be free from substantial conflicts of interest. Nominations must be submitted online by March 15, with new members expected to start in January 2026. The USPSTF focuses on making evidence-based recommendations for preventive clinical services and meets three times a year, requiring members to dedicate about 250 hours annually to their duties.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved changes proposed by ICE Clear Credit LLC to improve governance practices. The changes involve amending the Governance Playbook and Operating Agreement to create a Nominating Committee. This committee will evaluate the independence and qualifications of individuals being proposed for the board to ensure fair management. These updates aim to meet new regulatory requirements and enhance the organization's governance by minimizing conflicts of interest.

The President has issued Executive Order 14196, which calls for the creation of a United States Sovereign Wealth Fund. This fund aims to benefit American citizens by promoting fiscal sustainability and economic security, reducing taxes, and enhancing U.S. economic leadership globally. The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce are tasked with developing a detailed plan, including funding strategies and legal considerations, and submitting it within 90 days. The order ensures it complies with existing laws and does not grant any new legal rights.