Because great gifts create high expectations, NIH’s workforce can anticipate a vacation-free summer as the agency deals with a one-time $10.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriation that must be disbursed within 2 years.

“The NIH staff has been unbelievable in responding to the challenge of ARRA funds,” NIH acting director Dr. Raynard Kington told the 98th gathering of the advisory committee to the NIH director (ACD) on June 4. “It takes work to do it responsibly, and I salute the incredible creativity, hard work and commitment of our people. We will look back in pride one day at this great test,” he predicted, then quipped, “No one will be taking summer vacations this year at NIH.”
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Researchers around the country, including those supported by NIH, have mobilized to work on the emergent strain of H1N1 influenza A that has infected thousands of people around the world. Some of this groundbreaking research is taking place right here on campus.

The 2009 outbreak of a new strain of H1N1 influenza A demonstrates that continuing vigilance, planning and strong public health research capability are essential defenses against emerging health threats. Research on H5N1 (bird flu) and other influenza viruses with pandemic potential has prepared NIAID scientists in Bethesda and Hamilton, Mont., to respond to this newest influenza threat. They have expanded and refocused projects to include studies of the course the virus takes in the human immune system, the origin of the virus, H1N1-infected patients and a preventive vaccine. Many of these studies involve collaborations with researchers in other federal agencies, academia and the private sector.
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