Thanks, Robin, for keeping us abreast of this development.
I found several web pages of info on COPR which are linked to via
Office of Public Liaison web page
http://www.nih.gov/welcome/publicliaison/get-involved/
There is also a COPR Question & answer page at
http://www.nih.gov/welcome/publicliaison/qacopr1.htm
Among the contents of the latter are the following:
Q. What about the people who didn't get selected?
A. The NIH Director, Harold Varmus, has written to everyone who
applied in an effort to maintain their interest in the NIH and
have the benefit of their views through a less formal path of
involvement. He has invited them to become "COPR Associates," and
to serve as links between NIH and the broader public. As COPR
Associates, they might, for example, be asked to provide direct
input on COPR agenda items or to serve in the future as members
of COPR or on other NIH committees. NIH plans to maintain regular
contact with COPR Associates and provide them with discussion
papers and summaries of COPR meetings. The COPR itself may wish
to engage in activities with the COPR Associates.
Q. Will the COPR get involved in how NIH sets research priorities?
A. Yes. Priority setting for the NIH is not just a matter of
sitting down at a given point in time and deciding how much money
is spent on one activity or another. It is a complex, continuous
undertaking which, as described in the booklet, "Setting Research
Priorities at the NIH,"
(http://www.nih.gov/news/ResPriority/priority.htm) , involves
such matters as: peer review; strategic planning; public
participation; the appropriations process; identifying
opportunities for funding; assessing burden of illness;
considering "mechanisms" of support such as grants, contracts,
training awards, and centers; and many other considerations. We
envision that over time, the COPR will consider many of these
matters. In addition, formation of the COPR provides another
opportunity to gain expert advice from a diversity of publics
interested in our work; we look forward to hearing from the COPR
on an array of NIH activities that affect the public.
Phil Tompkins
