December 2008/January 2009
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report

Pending Economic Stimulus Could Include Additional Funds for NIH
Congress continues to work toward completion of an economic stimulus package that President-elect Obama could sign after he takes office.  The new Congress is expected to reconvene on or around January 6. A short term stimulus package might also be passed shortly. This will include immediate relief for food stamp recipients, unemployment and Medicaid beneficiaries. Another economic stimulus package, most likely in excess of $600 billion, will be considered this winter. This second stimulus package will aim to boast economic infrastructure, green technology, etc. The second stimulus package could be an opportunity for NIH to receive at least $1 billion in additional funding. This funding would provide immediate support to several thousand competitively awarded research grants.
FDA Appropriations

FDA
In the last 12 months Congress has had three opportunities to flat fund FDA or allow inflation only increases. Each time FDA was given special consideration and enhanced funding. $150 million was added to the FDA’s budget through the 2008 supplemental bill. And another $150 million was addressed to the agency’s base through passage of the FY’09 Continuing Resolution. The above increases were on top of a $145 million increase to the FDA that Congress provided this December. FDA is still seriously under-funded but for the first time it appears that Congress has accepted that FDA cannot carry out its mission adequately without a significant increase in funding. With these increased funds Congress has provided guidance on how these and additional resources could be used. They include a host of food safety issues and 1) use new science and analysis to improve the safety of medical products, 2) develop and implement quantitative decision-making tools to assess the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologics, and devices, 3) enhance science programs across the agency and establish mechanisms to access the best scientific knowledge and expertise to modernize its regulatory science, 4) strengthen FDA capacity to support emerging areas of science, 5) upgrade FDA science capacity by providing more training and professional development support for FDA science staff.

ASPET-Advocacy Outreach Program
ASPET is currently developing an advocacy outreach program to educate and train graduate students, post-docs and faculty in pharmacology departments on the importance of grassroots advocacy in support of the NIH. The ultimate goal of the outreach program is to 1) develop a cadre of interested individuals who will more effectively advocate on critical issues of science funding and science policy and, 2) provide individuals the skills needed to become informed and proactive participants in these issues at whatever institution they may find themselves in the near future. For more information or If there is an opportunity for ASPET to visit your institution contact Jim Bernstein at (tel: 301-634-7062) jbernstein@aspet.org.
Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009 “The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html .

NIGMS Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics
Expands An announcement of five new collaborative projects in the Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics can be viewed at: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results/RIKENII_11102008.htm

FASEB News
FASEB has published “Building Electronic Bridges to Bionics: The Basic Science of Neural Prosthetics,” the latest edition in FASEB’s Breakthrough in Bioscience series. This article explores the cutting-edge science of neural prosthetics, from cochlear implants to artificial retinas to bionic limbs, and describes the roots of these devices in centuries of fundamental research. To obtain a free copy of these publications, visit the Breakthroughs in Bioscience Web site http://opa.faseb.org/pages/Publications/breakthroughs.htm or contact FASEB’s Office of Public Affairs at (301) 634-7650. The new article may be accessed here: http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/BuildingElectronicBT.pdf

FASEB also launched a new website to provide the research community with information and resources on animal rights extremism www.animalrightsextremism.org.
    
FASEB has also updated the online data compilation related to education and employment of biological and medical scientists. FASEB encourages others to use the graphs and resources available in publications and presentations of their own. The site can be accessed at: http://opa.faseb.org/pages/PolicyIssues/training_datappt.htm
 

November, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

No matter the outcome of today’s election, Congress is already discussing the outlines of another economic stimulus package that could provide significant funding for the NIH. ASPET has joined with over 200 other biomedical research related organizations cosigning a letter to the House and Senate leadership for the inclusion of $1.9 billion for the NIH in what may be a substantial economic recovery package. View: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html

The size of the economic stimulus package has not been determined. But it has been estimated anywhere from $150-$300 billion, with some economists suggesting it needs to be even larger. Congress will return to begin post-election organizing and it is not clear when the framework will actually begin to craft this legislation.

Previously, the House had approved a $60 billion package last September but the Senate failed to act. This package would have included $1.2 billion for the NIH. However, since the meltdown in the financial markets and fears of a deeper and more protracted recession grew more severe in October, so to did the plans to increase the size of the economic recovery package.

The economic recovery stimulus package will likely be worked out over several months. Concurrently, there is still an appropriations process that will look to provide funding for NIH. However, even if there is a more science friendly administration, the potential of $600 billion budget deficits and upwards of a $1 trillion financial services bailout will likely mean little relief from Congress’ appropriations committees.

Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html

New Data Resource to Advance Computer-Aided Drug Design
NIGMS has funded a Web-based resource to expand and enhance the quality of molecular data needed to improve computer programs for predicting potential drug candidates. The resource will include pharmaceutical company data and will be freely accessible to the scientific community. A news release on the grant is at: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results/20081009.htm 

FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Funding Opportunities
Behavioral Pharmacology and Genetics: Translating and Targeting Individual Differences: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-016.html
Innovative Toxicity Assays of Pollutants, Therapeutics, and Drugs (SBIR):  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-006.html
Innovative Toxicity Assays of Pollutants, Therapeutics, and Drugs (STTR): http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-007.html
Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Research Consortium: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-08-021.html
Clinical Pharmacotherapy for PTSD: Single and Collaborative:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-09-090.htm

October, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

NIH
FY 2009 began October 1 with Congress failing to complete action on most federally funded agencies including the NIH. As a result a continuing resolution (CR) will fund all programs - NIH included – at or below 2008 funding levels through March 6. Included in the CR are final FY’09 appropriations for the DoD, Homeland Security,, and VA with all three receiving big increases in their R&D portfolios.

The biomedical research community had hoped that the Senate would add $1.0 billion to the FY’09 request for the NIH, an increase of 3%. However the CR funds NIH at an annual rate of $29.5 billion which is 0.5% less than the FY’08 level. The community had successfully advocated a $150 million supplemental appropriation to NIH (part of a broader supplemental bill) last June. However, even those funds did not make it into 2009 CR. Had the Senate’s $1 billion been added into the CR, many of the ICs would have had a budget increase of 2 to 2.5%. If the CR is extended through the entire fiscal year it probably assures a decline in NIH funding for the fifth consecutive year. Even roadmap increases were held level.

FDA
Under the terms of the CR, FDA will have nearly $300 million more to spend in FY’09 than FY’08. FDA will be allowed to count supplemental funding received on July 1 as part of its FY 2008 base. The effect is to provide the agency with about $150 million extra in FY 2009, assuming the CR level extends for the entire fiscal year. In addition, the supplemental funds are available until September 30, 2009 and are largely unspent, providing an additional $150 million to strengthen the agency. Thus, half of the new money will come from Congress’ decision to calculate the FY 09 CR base at a higher level. The other half would be from the FY 08 supplemental appropriation monies. “We consider this a significant step in strengthening FDA,” said Diane Dorman of the National Organization for Rare Disorders and a director of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA. “We are grateful to Members of Congress and staff who once again pulled FDA out of the hundreds of government programs and gave special consideration to its needs.”  Increased FDA funding is also an explicit commitment of both Presidential candidates (source: YourCandidatesYourHealth.org):

Senator McCain:  I strongly support FDA funding. We need to ensure that FDA has the proper resources to maintain its duty as the guardians of our nation’s drug and food supply in an era of growing global economy. FDA can also play an important role in promoting greater market competition, especially in drug sector, by having more streamlined processes for drug approval. Current funding levels for FDA are not keeping pace with accelerated drug and device creation or the increasing globalization of food supplies and should be increased.

Senator Obama: The Food and Drug Administration is a critical protector of our food supply, and assures our medicines are safe and effective. It regulates a full quarter of the American economy. Yet the FDA is badly under funded for its responsibilities. As our economy brings a rising tide of imported products, the FDA urgently needs expert staff and technology to more rigorously inspect imported food, drugs, and other products like pet food....

Evolution Symposium at Experimental Biology 2009
“The Evolution of Creationism” is the subject of the EB Public Affairs Symposium to be held at EB’09 in the New Orleans Convention Center on Monday, April 20, 2009 from 5:00-6:30 pm. Confirmed speakers include notable experts on the subject including: Barbara Forrest, Southeastern Louisiana University, author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse;; Ken Miller, Brown University, author of Finding Darwin’s God and other books on the battle over teaching evolution; Eugenie Scot, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, and author of Evolution versus Creationism (a second edition of which is soon to be published); and Judge John E. Jones, the Federal Judge who presided at the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover, PA trial in 2005 that was the first direct challenge brought in US federal courts against a school district that required the presentation of intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. The plaintiffs successfully argued that intelligent design is a form of creationism and that the school board policy violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Judge Jones decision has sparked considerable response from both supporters and critics. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.

Candidate Forums
John McCain and Barack Obama have responded to 14 questions about science and technology posed by a coalition of scientific organizations.
Senator McCain’s response: http://sharp.sefora.org/people/presidential-candidates/john-mccain-presidential-candidate/ .
Senator Obama’s response: http://sharp.sefora.org/people/presidential-candidates/barack-obama-presidential-candidate/

New NIH Advocacy Sites
FASEB has launched a new website www.nihadvocacy.org as a resource for the biomedical research advocacy community. The website offers reports, educational materials, NIH resources, and tools for scientist-advocates.

Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science (IOSS)
NIGMS funds four summer short courses in Integrative Organ Systems Pharmacology. These summer short courses will be offered again in 2009 at four institutions. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students and PhDs to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and PhDs. With these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Information: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Program
This program offers a one-year clinical research training experience to advanced standing students in U.S. medical, osteopathic, or dental school; or students enrolled in doctoral level programs at U.S. schools of public health, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine.  The program provides an opportunity to experience mentored research training at top-ranked NIH funded research centers in a diverse group of countries. The program is sponsored by the NIH's Fogarty International Center (FIC) in partnership with several other institutes and centers. The program is administered by Vanderbilt University, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Association of Schools of Public Health. Visit: www.aamc.org/overseasfellowship

FASEB News
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Funding Opportunities
Exploratory Centers for Translational Research on the Clinical Neurobiology of Drug Addiction: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-012.html
Roadmap Transformative R01 Program: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-08-029.html
Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Development Program :http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-266.html
Medicinal Chemistry Services for Neurotherapeutics: Request for Information: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-08-024.html

September, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

NIH
Congress returns September 8, FY2009 begins October 1, a new president will be elected November 4 and take office January 20, but resolution of the NIH budget might not happen until next spring. However, there are several moving targets that might mean more money for NIH. At the moment, there still remains talk of a second supplemental that would provide $500 million additional funds to the agency. ASPET members were informed of this pending action late July but consideration of the supplemental was postponed at the last minute over a variety of procedural issues. An earlier supplemental added $150 million in FY’08.

There is now almost absolute certainty for a long-term FY 2009 Continuing Resolution (CR) that would provide the funding for all agencies beginning October 1. The terms and duration – possibly through February or March - are not clear and are still under discussion. CR’s typically are short term but it is unlikely that Congress will return for a lame-duck session this fall after a brief three-week work session. And the Democrat-controlled Congress, cautiously anticipating a more friendly Obama administration, will want to wait until after the elections since the party is all but assured of picking up even more seats in the House and Senate. But there remains a possibility that the proposed $500 million supplemental could be added to the FY 2009 CR. The goal would be for the CR to include the House Labor/HHS subcommittee recommended NIH funding increase of $1.25 billion (3.9%) and add on the $500 million proposed in the second supplemental. Senators Harkin and Specter had originally proposed $5.2 billion to help restore purchasing power at the NIH. Long term, the $1.25 billion plus $500 million could be viewed as part of a “down payment” on future increases for FY 2010. The broader biomedical research community and their supporters in Congress will likely try to make the case that these funds are part of the “down payment” message to help restore NIH funding levels. The situation is still fluid and our advocacy message has not been fully formed. But ASPET members will hear in the next couple weeks how their communication with Congress will help to restore NIH funding levels. Remember that the $150 million supplemental to FY’08 only came about because of biomedical research community effectively contacting their legislators. So we will need your help again in the coming days.

FDA
Relative to NIH, the FDA’s FY’ 09 appropriations situation is relatively quiet. The Senate committee version of FY 09 Agriculture Appropriations contains an increase of $325 million dollars over the December 2007/FY 2008 baseline. The House subcommittee version contains a similar amount, both substantial increases for FDA.  It is not clear if there would be any supplemental funding for FDA.

NIMH Strategic Plan
The National Institute of Mental Health Strategic Plan is now available to review at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports. This document represents the culmination of a year-long initiative launched by NIMH to develop a new Strategic Plan that will serve as a guide to the Institute for advancing mental health science over the next 5 years.

Association of American Medical Colleges Report on Education in Safe and Effective Prescribing Practices
AAMC report addresses the consensus that graduating medical students, residents, and practicing physicians lack fundamental understanding and training in pharmacotherapy and rational prescribing. View the report at http://www.aamc.org/meded/msop

Animal Research Web Sites
The United Kingdon’s Research Defense Society allows contributions/materials from scientists worldwide on the contributions of animal research to medical advances. http://www.animalresearch.info/en/home.  Also, NIH’s Office of Extramural Research has launched a new animal research website which includes resources for scientists and institutions, as well as the public. The site offers information and resources for researchers and institutions that have come under attack by animal rights extremists: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/air/index.htm

EB Public Affair Session
“The Evolution of Creationism” will be the subject of the 2009 Experimental Biology Meeting Public Affairs Workshop held April 20 from 5:00 – 6:30 in New Orleans. The agenda is not yet finalized but includes noted defenders of evolutionary science such as Ken Miller of Brown University and Eugenie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education. Some of the subjects to be covered include how supporters of intelligent design use academic freedom and “teach the controversy” principles to advance their agenda and what the future holds for science education.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Nominations for NAS 2009 Richard Lounsbery Award   
The Lounsbery Award is given annually to recognize extraordinary scientific achievement by French and American Scientists in biology and medicine.  The Award is presented with a prize of $50,000 as well as an additional $20,000 to fund further research.  http://www.nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AWARDS_main

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Funding Opportunities
A new issue of the NIGMS Feedback Loop electronic newsletter is posted:
http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/loop/20080708.html
National Cooperative Drug Discovery and Development Groups (NCDDDG) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders, Drug or Alcohol Addiction: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-238.html
Metals in Medicine: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-251.html
Mechanisms of Adverse Drug Effects in Children: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-248.html
Medications Development Centers of Excellence:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-09-002.html

July-August, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report

Appropriations Update NIH
The past five years have been one disappointing blow after another with respect to funding levels for NIH.   Finally there is some good news.  The FY’08 Supplemental Appropriations Bill has at last been resolved and NIH will receive an additional $150 million.  The bill overall contains $400 million for research, including more money for NSF, DOE and NASA (the bill contains $162 billion to finance the war in Iraq and an additional $95 billion for domestic priorities unrelated to military operations but including expansion of veteran’s GI bill benefits).  There was considerable debate among Members of Congress objecting over the “extra” spending in the supplemental bill.  Many programs and agencies did not make the cut.  The fact that science research did might signal a recognition and shift by Congress that recent flat funding levels are not in the nation’s long-term interest. The President signed the supplemental bill into law June 30.

Another encouraging turn for NIH and the nation’s research enterprise came in late June as the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY’09 Labor/HHS-Education bill (this bill funds NIH).  The bill provides an increase of $1.025 billion (3.5%) over both the FY’08 funding level and the President’s FY’09 request.  In the House, the Committee markup of their Labor-HHS bill ended shortly after partisan fighting over unrelated amendments to the Interior appropriations bill.  As a result, the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, David Obey (D-WI) has threatened to not move the bill forward.   In any event, the House version of the Labor-HHS bill includes an increase of $1.150 billion (3.9%) over the FY’08 funding level and the President's FY’09 request.  The House bill is $125 million more than the Senate bill.  

These potential increases are encouraging.  However, there is essentially no chance final spending decisions will be made by the beginning of the FY’09 year that begins October 1.  And it is most likely that final spending decisions on these bills will be resolved only after a new administration and congress takes office in January.  In that case, a Continuing Resolution could fund the NIH at the FY’08 level thru spring.  Like past years, politics and the state of the economy will impact the final spending decisions in the months ahead.  To protect these increases it will be important for the biomedical research community in the coming months to make the case to lawmakers to support the NIH. 

FDA
The FY’08 supplemental provides FDA with an additional $150 million.  FDA has gained $295 million in FY 2008, almost a 20% increase above FY’08.  For FY’09, the potential exists to see an additional $329 million added to the agency as recommended by the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.  Altogether, this would bring the agency’s total to $2.040 billion in FY 09 and would be only $50 million less than the ambitious FY’09 request for the FDA made by the FDA Science Board.  

IUPHAR Newsletter
The June 2008 issue of Pharmacology International, the IUPHAR newsletter is available at http://www.iuphar.org/pubs_newsletter.html.

NIH Acts to Implement Enhanced Peer Review
NIH completed their year-long examination of current NIH peer-review processes and will begin to implement the recommendations, which address four major priorities: Engaging the best reviewers, Improve Quality and Transparency of Reviews, Ensure Balanced and Fair Reviews Across Scientific Fields and Career Stages, and Continuously Review Peer Review.  Details: http://nexus.od.nih.gov/nexus/nexus.aspx?ID=72&Month=6&Year=2008

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences.  The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research.  The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field.  For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill:  http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures. 

Funding Opportunities 

Medications Development for Polydrug Addiction Treatment. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-187.html

June, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report

Appropriations Update
A supplemental FY’08 appropriations bill containing $1.2 billion for science programs, including $400 million for the NIH is winding its way through the House and Senate. The supplemental bill is intended to pay for emergency war costs. The Senate approved the amendment by a vote of 75-22 to its emergency FY 2008 supplemental appropriations package. The House version does not include science funding found in the Senate bill. The full House has not yet approved their package but may do so shortly. ASPET members can call their Representatives (US Capitol switchboard tel: 202-224-3121) to support H.R. 2642, the Senate-Approved FY2008 supplemental appropriations bill that provides critical funding for the NIH.

Both bills will ultimately be “conferenced” to iron out the differences in the spending bills. The Senate bill’s science funding may not become part of the House bill or survive the conference without input from the research community. The President has already promised to veto any supplemental bill that includes significant non-war funding. However, in this election year, there may be enough votes to override any anticipated veto. 

Congress also reached agreement on a final FY 2009 budget resolution, allowing the Appropriations Committees to begin work on the FY’09 spending bills. The budget resolution is merely a non-binding blueprint guiding appropriators who make the ultimate funding decisions. The FY’09 budget resolution provides $21 billion more than the President’s request. However, many agencies, including the NIH, would face flat or reduced budgets. The hope is that the extra $21 billion would allow appropriators to increase NIH. In any event, last year’s budget began in similar fashion with Bush vetoing appropriations bills that exceeded his requests and Congress did not have the will or enough votes to override. Look for more of the same this fall and winter. With the elections coming and a new occupant in the White House assured, NIH’s FY’09 budget situation likely won’t be resolved until next spring.

International Conference on Translational Pharmacology
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India is organizing an International Conference on Translational Pharmacology and 41st Annual Conference of the Indian Pharmacological Society from December 16 – 20th, 2008. Details:http://www.ips-aiims.com 

US Boosts Screening Conditions on Visa-Free Travel
The State Department has announced that, beginning in August, 2008, visitors traveling to the U.S. from visa waiver countries (i.e., Europe, Japan, Australia, etc.) will have to register online 3 days in advance of travel. This rule will be mandatory by January 12, 2009. Organizations, institutions expecting a large number of attendees from these countries to meetings should include information about the new rule in pre-meeting materials. In addition, because these agreements are typically done on a reciprocity basis, it is likely U.S. visitors to countries for which they do not need a visa, such as those in western Europe, will soon have to start registering in advance of travel. For the official announcement about the new system, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as well as a link to a list of visa waiver countries, please click here:http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html  

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html . NIGMS is planning to continue the summer short courses from 2009 -2012.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/ . Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

May, 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

A House bill that would have increased the set-aside for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) from 2.5% to 3.0% of the research budget of each agency failed. However, Rep. Vern Ehlers’ (R-MI) amendment, supported by the AAU, AAMC and FASEB, stripped the increase from a committee reauthorization bill. Had the provision not been removed by amendment, passage of the set-aside increase would have essentially cut funding for other research programs at all agencies by $650 million.

There is also a supplemental spending bill being negotiated that is, not surprisingly, grinding forward with debates over priorities and war spending. There is potential for increased funding for biomedical research in the supplemental bill, but that might be difficult to realize. Nonetheless, a push has been made to Congressional leaders and appropriators to consider additional funds for NIH. There will be no progress on the actual FY 2009 Appropriations bills (exception is the Defense bill) until the Supplemental is completed.

ASPET Letter Supports Passage of Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
The Senate finally passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) by a vote of 95-0. The House also approved the bill 414-1. The President is expected to sign the bill. GINA prohibits health insurance companies from using genetic information to deny benefits and raise premiums for individual policies, and makes it illegal for employers to use genetic information to make decisions about hiring, firing or compensation. One of the obstacles for the translation of pharmacogenetics to clinical practice is the risk for the misuse of genetic information in health insurance and employment decisions. Passage of GINA will “help researchers and clinicians to actively encourage Americans to participate in clinical trials without the fear of genetic discrimination,” said Joann Boughman, Ph.D,, executive vice president of the American Society of Human Genetics. Read ASPET’s letter of support for passage of the legislation: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html

Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics
NIGMS and two other NIH institutes recently signed a letter of intent with the Center for Genomic Medicine in Japan to create a Global Alliance for Pharmacogenomics. The alliance will identify genetic factors that contribute to individual responses to medicines, with the eventual goal of helping doctors optimize the safety and effectiveness of drugs for each patient. A news release on the alliance is at: http://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/Results/GAP-JAPAN04142008.htm

NIDA Director Testimony on the Pharmacology of Addiction
NIDA Director Nora Volkow testified in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs regarding the scope, pharmacology, and health consequences of cocaine abuse and addiction. http://www.nida.nih.gov/Testimony/2-12-08Testimony.html

Great Ape Protection Act
The Great Ape Protection Act (HR 5852) was introduced by Rep. Towns (D-NY) would potentially prohibit the conduct of invasive research on chimpanzees, gorillas, and other non-human primates. The bill could affect the ability of researchers to perform non-invasive behavioral research since it would prevent even blood draws. Additionally, it would mandate federally-supported, permanent retirement for all great apes currently used in federally-funded research. The bill’s prospects are relatively remote at this stage. But passage would have an important effect on research and public health. ASPET is working with a broad coalition of interested organizations to monitor this legislation.

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html.  NIGMS is planning to continue the summer short courses from 2009 -2012.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and information about FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Funding Opportunities

Toxicological Evaluation of Potential Medications to Treat Drug Addiction http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-08-025.html

Pharmacologic Agents and Drugs for Mental Disorders  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-142.html

April 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

179 House members signed a March 19 letter to the House Appropriations Committee leadership requesting a 6.5% increase for the FY’09 NIH budget. The letter, sent to Reps. David Obey (D-WI) and Jerry Lewis (R-CA), chair and ranking member, respectively of the House Appropriations Committee, notes the Administration's proposal to fund NIH at the current level "is deeply troubling given the high rate of biomedical inflation.” Read ASPET’s written testimony to the House Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee supporting a 6.5% increase: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html

NIH Seeks Input on Current Needs in Pharmacogenomics Research
NIH invites responses from the scientific community, scientific organizations, pharmaceutical companies, Federal Agencies, and other interested parties well-versed in the areas of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, to help identify crucial needs, gaps and roadblocks to PGx research. NIH wants to identify ways in which the agency can effectively and efficiently address these barriers. Response due by April 30. View details at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-GM-08-125.html

ACTION ALERT
Legislative Action Needed to Pass Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
A major obstacle for the translation of Pharmacogenetics to clinical practice is the well-recognized risk for the misuse of genetic information for the purposes of making health insurance and/or employment decisions. Although there has been widespread legislative support for Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the House, it has yet to be passed by the Senate. Given the importance this issue has for an important advancement for Pharmacology, all ASPET members are encouraged to contact their Senators urging them to vote on passage of the bill. Action in the Senate has been delayed by the objections of one Senator (Coburn, R-OK). The only chance for passing the bill in the Senate is to bring the bill to a floor vote through a procedural mechanism in the next week or so. Senator Reid (D-NV), the Senate Majority Leader can bring the bill to the floor, but will do so only if he hears about GINA from different constituencies. ASPET members in Nevada are urged to contact Senator Reid’s office (tel: 202-224-3542) and ask that he bring the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (S.358) to the Senate Floor. All other ASPET members should contact their respective Senate offices this week. Ask your Senator(s) to contact Senator Reid’s office to encourage him (Sen.Reid) to bring the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act to the floor. Your Senator’s phone numbers can be found at: http://geneticfairness.org/senator_list.html.  Background information on this issue can be viewed at: http://www.geneticfairness.org/.

ACTION ALERT
ASPET Florida Members Needed to Defend Teaching of Evolution
There are currently two bills in the Florida House and Senate that threaten the science curriculum in Florida’s public schools. Both bills are entitled the "Academic Freedom Act." The bills, if passed, would provide cover for the teaching of religious beliefs as science in Florida's science classrooms. The bills would authorize the "right to present scientific information relevant to the full range of views on biological and chemical origins. Prohibit a teacher from being discriminated against for presenting such information. Prohibit students from being penalized for subscribing to a particular position on evolution, etc." Creationists are working under the guise of "academic freedom" to legally authorize the teaching of inherently unscientific doctrine in science classes. If passed, Teachers or administrators could use these bills to defend the presentation of oft-refuted creationist attacks on evolutionary sciences. The bills authorize the teaching of a "full range of views on biological and chemical evolution," that would allow for creationist and intelligent design ideology at the expense of rigorously peer-reviewed material. Both bills also claim to protect teachers and students from discrimination for their beliefs, suggesting that discrimination exists where it does not, and to draw attention away from the subject matter of creationism. ASPET members in Florida are urged to contact their Legislators to convey your strong support for science in Florida classrooms and opposition to SB2692 and HB1483.  To find your legislator, view: [House] http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SECTIONS/Representatives/representatives.aspx and [Senate] http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Mode=Member Pages&Submenu=1&Tab=legislators&CFID=78606717&CFTOKEN=34571278.  Whether you call or write, state that you are opposed to the Academic Freedom Act (Senate Bill 2692 / House Bill 1483). If passed, this Act would provide cover for teaching religious beliefs as science in Florida public schools and, in doing so, impair students’ critical thinking skills, their ability to differentiate scientific from non-scientific information, their success in the 21st century workplace; impact our state's economy that increasingly rests on scientific industry and on the cultivation of scientific knowledge in our classrooms. Although scientists continue to question certain aspects of evolutionary science and conduct research to explore its ramifications, the core elements of evolution as presented in textbooks today have been repeatedly tested and verified. Good science education includes teaching evolution – it is not a matter of “academic freedom.” Students should be tested on their knowledge of these well-understood concepts, as embodied in the recently-passed state science standards, and legislators should insist that students spend their valuable classroom time learning, through classwork and homework, the best knowledge that centuries of scientific investigation have placed before them.

Farm Bill and Class B Dealers for Research
The Farm Bill appears to be moving forward. This may present the final opportunity to remove language prohibiting the use of non-purpose bred animals from Class B dealers for research. We have been informed that the offices of Senators Harkin (D-IA), Leahy (D-VT), and Stabenow (D-MI) may be crucial in assuring this provision does not move forward. FASEB has set up an legislative alert on the FASEB Capwiz site for members from Iowa, Vermont, and Michigan to take action: http://capwiz.com/faseb/issues/alert/?alertid=11261751&type=CO

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students, post-docs and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html.  NIGMS is planning to continue the summer short courses from 2009 -2012.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application, information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Schedule of National Animal Welfare Education Programs. Workshops and Conferences
View: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-043.html

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/. 
Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and the launch of FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) New Award for Early Career Faculty.
The award is aimed at researchers who have run their own labs for two to six years and are at a critical point in establishing their own independent research programs. HHMI plans to select as many as 70 early career scientists from a wide range of scientific disciplines relevant to biological and medical inquiry. Scientists will receive six-year, non-renewable appointments to HHMI and substantial research support necessary to move their research in creative, new directions. HHMI will invest more than $300 million in this first group of scientists and plans a second competition in 2011. Visit: http://www.hhmi.org/research/competitions/earlycareer2009/. 

Funding Opportunities

Toxicological Evaluation of Potential Medications to Treat Drug Addiction http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-08-025.html

Pharmacologic Agents and Drugs for Mental Disorders http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-142.html 

March 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

The President’s FY’09 budget was released last month. The request for NIH is $29.2 billion which is equal to the FY’08 appropriation. The biomedical research community is advocating for an increase in the NIH by $1.9 billion in FY’09. The President’s proposed budget is the 6th consecutive year that the NIH does not keep pace with inflation. If the President’s FY’09 budget were to become law it would amount to NIH losing nearly 14% of its purchasing power to inflation over the past six years. FASEB, the National Health Council, The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, the Campaign for Medical Research, and Research!America have issued a joint statement urging Congress to accelerate medical progress by increasing investment in the NIH:http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_pos_test.html

The President’s budget proposal for FDA is $2.4 billion. This includes an appropriation of $1.77 billion and $628 million in user fees (a 3.1% and 14.4% increase, respectively) over the FY’08 level. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA is advocating for a $2.1 billion FY’09 appropriation, approximately a $380 million increase above the president’s level, not including user fees. For additional information on FDA funding visit: <www.StrengthenFDA.org> The Bush budget is dead on arrival. But even lame-duck presidents can still veto appropriations bills. President Bush will continue to do so until he leaves office in January 2009 and he will almost certainly veto any spending bill that is over his requested spending level. Once again, the likelihood of greater than inflation adjusted budgets is remote. It is possible a new president could enact an increase in some discretionary spending accounts upon taking office next January if the FY’09 budget is still not resolved. The new fiscal year begins October 1 but there will almost certainly be another in a series of continuing resolutions passed to keep government agencies operating well past October 1.

Training Opportunity: NIGMS Summer Short Courses in Integrative & Organ Systems Pharmacology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences will once again fund four summer short courses that provide specialized training for using intact organ system and in vivo animal models in the conduct of research. The purpose of each short course is to introduce graduate students and Ph.Ds to the knowledge and skills needed for integrative studies of organ systems and intact animals, and the physiological and biochemical responses of these systems to drugs. These critical skills are in short supply. Graduate students and Ph.Ds. with these skills are in great demand in both academic and industrial settings. Summer Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Science are available at Michigan State University, University of California at San Diego, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Please view: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_NIGMS_shortcourse_awards.html.  NIGMS is planning to continue the summer short courses from 2009 -2012.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

Schedule of National Animal Welfare Education Programs. Workshops and Conferences
View: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-043.html

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/ . Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and the launch of FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

February 2008
ASPET Government and Public Affairs Report Appropriations Update

NIH  Appropriations
Congress at last finished its work on the FY’08 budget combining eleven appropriations bills into one large omnibus legislative bill. NIH receives $28,942 billion in FY’08. This amounts to a $329 million increase; however NIH is being asked to transfer $196 million to the Global Aids Fund. Taking into account the transfer, NIH’s increase is just 0.46%, a $133 million increase.

NIGMS Renews RFA for Short Courses in Integrative and Organ Systems Pharmacology
Details: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html or http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-08-010.html.  All inquiries should be directed to Richard T. Okita, Ph.D.- Program Director, NIGMS - Tel: 301-594-3827 - Fax: 301-480-2802 - okitar@nigms.nih.gov.

ASPET-IOSS Fund Application Guidelines
The ASPET-IOSS Fund was created to provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers seeking training in integrative whole organ systems sciences. The fund is currently supported by Abbott Laboratories, Merck Research Laboratories, Pfizer and Wyeth Research. The goal is to help augment developing programs (see above) that provide training of students in this field. For application information, visit: http://www.aspet.org/public/public_affairs/pa_ioss.html

FDA Coalitions Merge
Two organizations dedicated to advocating for greater congressional funding levels for the FDA have merged to form the Alliance for a Stronger FDA. ASPET remains a member of this organization (previous affiliation was the former FDA Alliance) and has assisted in various grassroots efforts. The new alliance hopes to deliver more consistent messages to the public, media, congress, and the Administration. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA website is expected to be updated in the next few days: www.StrengthenFDA.org

AAMC Symposium: The Scientific Basis of Influence and Reciprocity
AAMC has published the findings of a symposium on the scientific basis of influence and reciprocity. The symposium, held in June 2007, summarized the latest evidence from neuroscience and the behavioral sciences that addresses the challenges to objectivity presented by gifts, favors, and influence in academic medicine. The symposium report is available for free online. View: http://www.aamc.org/reciprocity NIH Issues Revised Policy Statement on Public Access

Public Access
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Jan. 11 issued a revised policy statement reflecting that compliance with the agency's "public access" rules is now required by statute, specifically the recent "Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008." The legislation requires that all investigators funded by NIH ensure that an electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts accepted for publication is submitted to the National Library of Medicine within 12 months of the official date of publication.

New NCCAM Director
Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., was named director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). An accomplished researcher and physician, Dr. Briggs brings a focus on translational research to the study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help build a fuller understanding of the usefulness and safety of CAM practices: Visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/about/director/

USP Announces 2008 Internships
USP has six summer internships that will begin May 18 and continue until mid-August at USP Headquarters in Rockville, MD.  The USP 2008 Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity for students to spend twelve weeks at USP working on a defined project that will assist USP in the areas of: Quality of Manufactured Medicines (including biologic and veterinary medicines),Quality of Compounded Medicines (human and veterinary), Quality of Food Ingredients and Dietary Supplements, Quality of Patient Care, Global Public Health, and Public Health Policy. Details: http://www.usp.org/aboutUSP/careers/internship.html.  The deadline for submitting applications is February 15, 2008.

ASPET Co-signs Letter to Texas Education Agency /Evolution Controversy
A letter co-signed by ASPET and other professional societies to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) expresses concern over the forced resignation of the agency’s Director of Science who was disciplined for sending an email advertising a talk by a proponent of evolution education. The Texas Education Agency said that the Director’s email implies that the TEA endorses the speaker’s position on a subject on which the agency must remain neutral. The letter states that “it is unacceptable for the TEA to remain neutral on the topic of evolution.” View: http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/2008/Evolution%20letter%20Castillo-Comer-Final.pdf.  See related link: http://opa.faseb.org/pages/PolicyIssues/sciencecoalition.htm for article concerning the coalition of scientific societies (includes ASPET) Evolution in Science Survey.

FASEB NEWS
For FASEB biweekly news from Capitol Hill: http://opa.faseb.org/.  Also available are links to the FASEB FY2009 Funding Recommendations for Science Agencies and the launch of FASEB’s new voter education initiative, ScienceCures.

Funding Opportunities
Drug Docking and Screening Data
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-08-008.html

Assessment of Potential Cocaine Pharmacotherapies in Monkeys
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-08-024.html

• Archive of 2007 Bulletins