ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP: BENCH TO BEDSIDE AND BACK

The purpose of the Translational Research Interest Group (TRIG) is to bring together physician-scientists and basic scientists, particularly intramural investigators, to discuss efficient ways of accelerating the application of biomedical discoveries to clinical practice for the benefit of patients. Conversely, it is also aimed at promoting the translation of clinical observations to the development of improved preclinical strategies and of disease models.

The first meeting of the TRIG will be held on May 29, 2008, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, at the Natcher Conference Center (Building 45), Balcony A. A tentative meeting agenda follows:

Introduction of TRIG

Discussion of future events to facilitate bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications at NIH, for example, making clinical specimens and other resources available to NIH intramural scientists

Coordination of all translational research activities, including facilitation of collaborations between intramural scientists and NIH grantees

Introduction of the Clinical Translational Science Award Program

Discussion of other proposed items

Signing up to serve on a steering committee composed of NIH staff only

NIH intramural and extramural scientists are invited to become members of the TRIG at the Interest Group website <http://www.nih.gov/sigs/sigs.html>.  The invitation to join the TRIG is extended to staff at the Food and Drug Administration and other federal government agencies and to scientists from the extramural research community outside of government. An e-mail message will be sent to encourage a new member to complete subscription to the NIH ListServ. TRIG events will be announced through this ListServ.

For additional information, contact Min Song, NCI.

TOWN HALL MEETING: STAFF SCIENTIST/STAFF CLINICIAN ORGANIZATION

The NIH Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician (SS/SC) Organization was conceived in 2004  with the intention of providing representation for the more than 1,000 staff scientists and staff clinicians dispersed across the 22 NIH institutes and centers (ICs) with intramural research programs.

The organization will hold its first Town Hall Meeting on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  in the Lipsett Auditorium, NIH Clinical Center.

The meeting is open to all members of the NIH community, with videoconferencing available at the following locations: Frederick, Md. (Bldg. 549, Boardroom), Baltimore (BRC, Rm. 03C219), Rocky Mountain Labs, Hamilton, Mont. (Bldg. 11 conference room), and Research Triangle Park, N.C. (Executive Conference Room).

After introductory remarks by Michael Gottesman, deputy director for intramural research, the SS/SC Council of Representatives, composed of one to two members from each IC, will present an overview of the activities of the past year, including ratification of the organization’s constitution and bylaws.

Council  members and a diverse panel of individuals from across NIH will then discuss key issues facing staff scientists and clinicians. Questions for the panel discussion can be submitted prior to the meeting at this website.

To find out more about the organization, visit the website or send questions here.

INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC SUCCESS IN THE INTRAMURAL PROGRAM

All employees are invited to attend the forum "Initiatives to Promote Scientific Success in the NIH Intramural Program," Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:30 in the Lipsett Amphitheater, with a reception to follow. The forum is sponsored by the Office of Research in Women's Health and the Women Scientist Association

As part of the continuing effort to recruit the highest quality individuals and ensure success for all employees, NIH Director Elias Zerhouni has called upon NIH leadership to develop a variety of programs to improve many aspects of the NIH working environment. These programs will be presented by Raynard Kington, NIH deputy director; Vivian Pinn, director of the Office of Research on Women's Health; and Joan Schwartz, assistant director of the Office of Intramural Research. 

Many of the initiatives will benefit all NIH employees and involve new programs that address mentoring, childcare and family care issues, workplace flexibilities, and recruitment of-dual career couples. Some initiatives focus on developing a evidence-based data on the effectiveness of programs to advance the careers of women in science and engineering and on promoting improved understanding of the factors that might explain the current patterns of careers of men and women in these fields.   

Trans-NIH SYSTEMS BIOLOGY CONFERENCE IN JUNE

A trans-NIH systems biology meeting will be held at Natcher on June 26–27, 2008, sponsored in part by the Office of Intramural Research and organized by Rafael Daniel Camerini-Otero (NIDDK), David Levens (NCI), Alan Michelson (NHLBI), and others. 

Day 1 features talks by 16 individuals who were instrumental in establishing a systems biology program at their host institution.

Day 2 is a half-day meeting for the speakers and a smaller group of NIH scientists. 

All are invited to attend the first day or listen via webcast. A poster and schedule will be distributed in early June.  

WORKSHOP ON VASCULOPATHY
IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Aworkshop on Vasculopathy in Sickle Cell Disease will be held August 27–28, 2008, at the Natcher Conference Center.
For more information, visit this website or contact Sue Dilli at 443-451-7252 or by e-mail.

NCI ANIMAL PRODUCTION PROGRAM
PRICE INCREASE

The NCI Animal Production Program has implemented a price increase. The new Price List, effective May 5, 2008, can be found at the website.

For more information, contact Linda Blumenauer at 301-846-1153 or by e-mail.