Independent Research Arm
Biomedical Research Foundation Broadens NIH Reach
By Carla Garnett
It's taken more than 6 years following congressional approval, but finally there's a mechanism in place that enables NIH to tackle special biomedical research projects and activities that the agency's government status generally prevents -- primarily, fundraising.
As early as 1988, the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine recommended establishment of an organization that would be independent of NIH, but that would directly support NIH's mission financially by seeking private donations. The resulting entity -- dubbed the National Foundation for Biomedical Research (NFBR) -- was authorized by Congress in 1990, but only last month took its first baby step toward legitimacy: it obtained the crucial tax-exempt legal incorporation that will allow it to pursue donations that can be written off at tax time.
In essence, the foundation enables private sector funding of public sector health research. Among things NFBR will be able to do that NIH legally cannot: solicit donations from philanthropic organizations, insurance companies, healthcare providers and other research foundations and private sources. The funds received could then be used to provide additional training grants and fellowships to junior and senior scientists, support educational and recruitment conferences, offer sabbaticals and other independent research endowments to federal and nonfederal scientists, and augment research dollars for both the intramural and extramural science programs of NIH. NFBR's independently collected funds would also permit NIH to explore research, training and education that may be scientifically promising, but insufficiently funded.
"It could also support infrastructure needs," said Dr. George Galasso, the recently retired NIH associate director for extramural affairs who is serving as the foundation's part-time executive director. "Each project will be reviewed for merit by the board in consultation with NIH. As long as the project falls within NIH's mission it will be considered for funding."
Although NFBR and the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) will be involved in similar activities -- providing training opportunities, for example -- the two organizations will not duplicate their efforts. Under law, Congress permits NIH to associate itself with only one foundation. FAES will continue its current activities under an agreement with NFBR.
To say the foundation is starting small would be an understatement. Housed in an office off the Cloister's main hall, the NFBR staff currently consists of one -- Galasso. Largely through his impetus -- and with pro bono legal advice -- the concept of an independent fundraising arm for NIH has emerged from a 6-year languishment and will hold its first official board of directors meeting this month.
NFBR's board, which will decide how to raise and spend funds, comprises seats for 11 members who, as specified in the founding legislation, must represent the biomedical and biobehavioral communities and the public. Nine seats are currently filled, with Dr. Paul Berg of Stanford School of Medicine serving as acting chair.
Other members include Dr. Mary Ellen Avery of Harvard School of Medicine; Mrs. William McCormick Blair, Jr., of the Lasker Foundation; Dr. Franklyn Jenifer of the University of Texas, Dallas; Dr. Paul Montrone of Fisher Scientific International, Inc.; Dr. Charles Sanders (ret.) of Glaxo, Inc.; Drs. Solomon Snyder and Patrick Walsh of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; and Henry Wendt (ret.) of SmithKline Beecham. Potential candidates for the two remaining vacant seats will be discussed at the board meeting.
So far, NFBR's modest start-up funds -- for office furniture and supplies -- have come from the NIH Gift Fund, but Galasso hopes that will change soon.
"We are hoping to attract the interest of individuals, philanthropic groups, industry, insurance companies and healthcare providers who would be willing to offer seed money," he said. "Like any new operation that depends on donations, we are going to have to learn how to ask for support. We welcome any and all ideas from those with experience in raising funds."
To contribute ideas or funds to the foundation, contact Galasso, phone: 2-5311, or email: galassog@nih.gov.
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