2009-05-21

President Obama Submits Details of FY 2010 Budget Proposal to Congress; Proposes 1.4 Percent Increase for NIH
President Obama has released the details of his FY 2010 budget proposal, building upon the FY 2010 budget blueprint that he released at the end of February. Visit the ASH Advocacy Center to take action in support of NIH funding. Read more.

NIH Proposes Draft Guidelines for Stem Cell Research Funding
The National Institutes of Health has released draft guidelines that will govern the circumstances under which it will fund human stem cell research and will be accepting public comments through May 26. Read more.

ASH Comments on Senate Finance Committee Health-Care Reform Proposals
ASH submitted comments to the Senate Finance Committee in response to health reform proposals the Committee is currently considering. Read more.

Top Level Positions Filled at FDA, CDC
The U.S. Senate confirmed former New York City health commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a unanimous voice vote. President Obama has also announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas Frieden as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read more.

IOM Releases a Report on Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice; ASH’s Established Policies Are Already in Compliance
The Institute of Medicine has released a pre-publication copy of its report “Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice” that calls for both legislation and “voluntary measures” to improve the disclosure of financial ties between the medical community and industry. ASH is pleased that the Society is already in compliance with IOM’s recommendations and does not anticipate any immediate changes to its policies. Read more.

Interagency Oncology Task Force Announces Oncology Fellowship Opportunities
The Interagency Oncology Task Force, a joint initiative between the National Cancer Institute  and the FDA, has announced fellowship training opportunities for PhDs, MDs, and MD/PhDs or their equivalents in cancer-related scientific research and research-related regulatory review. Read more.

NIH Office of Extramural Research Releases May 2009 Newsletter
The NIH Office of Extramural Research has released its May 2009 newsletter, which includes information on the draft NIH Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding opportunities.

ASH Launches Grassroots Network Facebook Page
ASH’s Grassroots Network has joined Facebook. Become a fan today, and learn how you can take action in high-priority advocacy campaigns and gain access to the latest Advocacy Updates. Help spread the word by also encouraging your friends and colleagues to become fans.