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Input Sought on Long Range Plans for the NIAMS -- ACTION
FROM STEPHEN I. KATZ, M.D., Ph.D., DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES (NIAMS) AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
The NIAMS is embarking on a process to determine the research opportunities and needs and gaps in our mission areas over the next two to four years. We currently have effective mechanisms for determining our shorter term initiatives, but will be developing a long-range plan this year. The NIAMS strategic plan that is currently posted on our Web site is for FY 2000-2004, and the new long range plan will cover the years from FY 2005-2009.
We will have considerable input into this plan from NIAMS-supported grantees, professional and voluntary organizations, the public, and our Advisory Council. I am inviting comments from you because we want to hear from members of the public. We are stewards of public funds, and we support the research portfolio that we do based on advancing the scientific enterprise to improve public health. Your input as to the opportunities and needs and gaps that the NIAMS could address over the next few years would be greatly appreciated.
You can send your comments by e mail to Helen Simon, Chief of Program Planning in the NIAMS (simonh@mail.nih.gov) , or click on the “Comment” link. I would greatly appreciate your providing comments by November 1, 2004.
The process that we have used in developing this plan includes a series of long-range planning panels focused on research in six areas with our mission: arthritis and other rheumatic diseases; orthopaedics, bone biology and diseases, skin biology and diseases, muscle biology and diseases, and cartilage and connective tissue biology and diseases. We are also soliciting input from all of the NIAMS-supported grantees, members of the voluntary and professional groups related to our many mission areas, and from the public through the “Comment” link referenced above. Our staff will consider input from all of these individuals and groups and draft a plan in November/December, present the draft plan at the January meeting of our Advisory Council, and post it on the NIAMS Web site for comment following the Advisory Council meeting in January.
I look forward to your thoughts and recommendations.
Sincerely,
Steve Katz
