What is the purpose of the NIH Blue Ribbon Panel?
On March 6, 2008, NIH announced the establishment of the Blue Ribbon Panel as a working group of the Advisory Committee to the Director. The Blue Ribbon Panel has been charged with advising NIH on the issues and concerns voiced by the courts, the local community, the NRC committee, and the general public regarding the BUMC NEIDL. As part of this charge, the Panel is providing independent scientific advice on a new supplementary risk assessment now under way, including questions to be addressed, as well as on scenarios and specific infectious agents to consider. Throughout this process, the Panel has been mindful of issues related to NEPA requirements, environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk communications. The Panel also has been charged with advising on best practices regarding community relations and communications. The Panel process is designed to be transparent and to ensure that NIH has done its best to evaluate public concerns. The Panel has and will continue to seek and
