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Michael Goldrich,
Deputy Director for Management and Operations, NIAID
Mr. Goldrich gave an update on the activities of the NIAID focus groups and the Institute's future plans for the use of this mechanism for obtaining input from the scientific community on the NIAID's research efforts.
These small groups cover areas such as AIDS vaccines, pathogenesis and treatment They consist of 12 to 15 members of the extramural community with Dr. Fauci, the division directors, and other NIAID staff. Each group talks about the issues and concerns affecting it, for example, is the Institute or one of its Divisions poised to meet the research opportunities and challenges of the next five to ten years? How should we adapt to change? What can we in the Institute or in the Division do to make your jobs out there more effective in your research programs? Training, communications, and other issues were also discussed. NIAID has acted on many of the recommendations coming out of these groups, including the development of the bridge award program.
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