FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2002

Members:  Lajos Balogh, Katarina Borer, Bruno Giordani (chair), Mark Wenzel, Victor Wong     

OVPR:   Judy Nowack, Marvin Parnes, Rob Todd, Jane Ritter (staff)

AGENDA

1. The minutes from May 10, 2002 were approved

2. Chair's update --                                                                                     Bruno Giordani

Attended Research Scientist Awards.  Will send Fawwaz some recommendations for the future.  Would like to spend some time today discussing the Patriot Act, which has been suggested by SACUA.

3. Patriot Act (handouts)                                                                               Judy Nowack

USA Patriot Act of 2001.  This has affected some UM labs.  OSEH guidelines and requirements passed 01/09/02.  Guidelines establish a procedure to be used toward meeting requirements of the Act.  Bioterrorism Preparedness Act (approved 5/23/02 by Congress).  The need to limit access for security purposes should be balanced against research needs.  Future benefit vs. immediate risk.  There are criminal penalties for failure to comply.  Department of Justice to maintain control over background checks.  Auditors should be trained in these areas.  Probably minimal restriction on research at this time.  UM effort going into this – crosses over many areas – has been fairly successful to date.  Expect controls to come down regarding radioisotopes.  Maybe greater controls with regard to selected infectious agents, hazardous wastes, etc.  There is concern that we will begin working under “fear”.  Act and guidelines are fine but they must go hand-in-hand with education.  Has there been talk about preparing an emergency education module?  OSEH has their own dedicated PR person for this topic.

Is anyone looking at issue of impact on immigration and recruitment?  Fawwaz has taken an interest in this and the question has been asked at various meetings.  There has been some reports of difficulties and delays.

IT is another area where concerns will be raised.  This may be an area for PEERRS certification and training.  Has the Department of Public Safety (DPS) received the proper training for these newer areas?  They are now getting involved in IT security.  (Invite director of DPS to future meeting.)

4. Change in Membership

David Brophy and Bruno Giordani rotate off as of 8/31/02.  The graduate and undergraduate students also complete their assignment.

5. Summary of 2001/2002 and Considerations for Next Year (handout)

·        Life Sciences Corridor – changing goals of research [non-scientific research may be better described as non-biological]

·        Interdisciplinary Research – continued issues facing support

·        HIPAA – changes that face the UM research community

·        Review Research Scientist Track

·        Undergraduate Research – support and incentives

·        SPITT Process – attention to changes in need for support (committed through mid-2003 with review at that time for future needs]

·        Discuss increased need for confidentiality requirements (healthy research subjects vs. clinical patients)

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.