It is urgent that we express our opinions about the proposed NIH study
section composition **before Oct 9**. You can view the proposed study
sections at
http://www.csr.nih.gov/review/bssmain.htm
The main problem with the proposal is that there is no 'home' study
section for behavior genetic proposals that would have more than one or
two BG trained members. Much better would be a larger mass of BG
expertise in a study section with some specialties towards, e.g.,
psychopathology, substance abuse, development and cognition.
Study section RHSS-5 comes closest
http://www.csr.nih.gov/review/rhss.htm
but this study section has so many other emphases that BG is only a
small part of it. The shortcomings re: BG are despite the fact that Ken
Kendler sat on the study section development panel, and despite his best
recommendations at the time and since then to create a BG-focused study
section. It is unfortunate that Ken was the only BG member to be
allowed a voice in this process, but we might be able to remedy that if
we all make comments NOW.
You are encouraged to send your comments to:
Comments and questions are welcome; the comment period
ends October 9, 1998; contact Virginia S. Cain, Ph.D.,
Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research,
NIH, at od-behavrev@od.nih.gov.
Cheers
Mike
Dr. Michael C. Neale Dept. of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth
University
Phone: 804-828-3369 Virginia Institute for Psychiatric & Behavioral
Genetics
Fax: 804-828-8801 800 East Leigh St. Suite 1-115, Richmond VA
23219-1534