What mechanisms are in place to monitor the implementation of the GWAS policy and to ensure that it keeps pace with evolving technological and ethical issues?
The governance structure for GWAS is described in the preamble section of the policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-088.html). The NIH Director is ultimately responsible for overseeing the GWAS policy and its implementation. The Director will receive guidance and appropriate leadership from within the Office of the Director. A fundamental aspect of the GWAS governance plan is a working group of the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director (ACD), which is composed of external experts representing the interests of the public and the scientific community. The ACD Working Group will be responsible for informing the ACD regarding any emerging ethical or scientific issues that may be relevant to NIH efforts to maintain the highest standards in participant protection and the promotion of quality research. The ACD will then advise the NIH Director on these issues. The NIH Data Access Committees will monitor data use practices by reviewing annual reports that it will r
