July 23, 2021 Vol. LXXIII, No. 15

paradigm-shifting ARPA-H premise than the President’s chief science advisor and director of the White House Office of Science and SPEED, AGILITY, OPPORTUNITY Technology Policy Dr. Eric Lander, the first biologist appointed to the post and the first 122nd ACD Discusses Wide person to hold the position at Cabinet level. Range of Topics He’s also a longtime NIH friend and a former BY CARLA GARNETT ACD member. NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, during the “There are at least two reasons why we A lot has happened in the few months since recent virtual ACD meeting should always be thinking that even though President Joe Biden told a joint session of we have the most amazing biomedical Congress on Apr. 28 that he wanted NIH to hearings with NIH leaders visiting Capitol enterprise ever created, why couldn’t it be have a new component with the “singular Hill. better?” Lander said, after pointing out the purpose—to develop breakthroughs to Recently, NIH director Dr. Francis Collins nation’s extraordinary biomedical ecosystem prevent, detect and treat diseases like moved ARPA-H further ahead, bringing the driven by two powerful forces—fundamental Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer.” concept to his top thought leaders outside biomedical research and a vibrant commer- The proposed organization, an the agency—the advisory committee to the cial sector—that “connect in this virtuous “Advanced Research Projects Agency director (ACD). The group gathered June cycle” to discover knowledge and therapies for Health” (ARPA-H), to be built using 10-11—virtually again—for its first meeting beneficial to all. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research of 2021. But, he asked, are there things missing Projects Agency) as a model, moved swiftly Accent on Boldness in the ecosystem? And isn’t now the perfect into high-level conversations—from time to tackle some big questions in science briefings with lawmakers visiting NIH to And, who better to present the SEE ACD, PAGE 4

MOVING UPSTREAM RESTORING LOST VISION Manchanda Makes the Case New Stem Cell Treatment for Whole Person Care, Equity Developed for AMD BY DANA TALESNIK BY AMBER SNYDER

Doctors are trained to examine the biolog- Dr. Kapil Bharti of NEI is developing a stem ical causes of illness and many delve into cell-based therapy to prevent and restore personal habits and vision loss caused by other behavioral age-related macular factors for a more degeneration (AMD). complete health He spoke as part profile. Health pro- of the Sayer Vision Monitoring the Future drug use report fessionals, though, Research Lecture released. See Digest, p. 9. often overlook a Series, with his talk key component of “Translating human ALSO THIS ISSUE well-being, said Dr. RPE biology into NEI Joins Nigeria Eye Research Centre in Rishi Manchanda, disease treatments Partnership...... 3 a physician, entre- Dr. Rishi Manchanda Dr. Kapil Bharti using induced pluri- preneur and public potent stem cells.” NIMHD Calls for Coleman Research Award health leader whose work experience has led AMD typically occurs in individuals Nominations...... 5 him to speak out about this vital aspect of over age 65 and targets the retinal pigment Launer To Lead NIA Lab...... 7 whole person care. epithelium (RPE) of the eye, which forms Milestones...... 10 Health care institutions, he said, must a monolayer of cells in the back of the eye FAPAC Marks Heritage Month...... 12 SEE MANCHANDA, PAGE 6 SEE AMD, PAGE 8 BRIEFS

NHGRI Conference To July 29 NIH Among 2020’s ‘Best Celebrate Work of David Places to Work’ Depew The 2020 Best Places to Work in the The NHGRI History of Genomics Program will host Federal Government rankings have a 1-day conference, been released and NIH is featured From the “Baldwin among six government agencies for Effect” to Genes its exemplary employee experience of Small Effect: during the Covid-19 pandemic. Celebrating the Work of David Depew. The The rankings are calculated by event will be held the Partnership for Public Service, virtually on Thursday, providing the most comprehensive July 29 at 11 a.m. (ET). measure of employee engagement across government. Depew, professor emeritus at the NIH continues to be one of University of Iowa, government’s most prominent employers of choice with an NIH is ranked among Best Places to Work in the Federal was among the first Government. philosophers and employee engagement score of 81.7 historians of genetics out of 100, 12.7 points higher than PHOTO: LYDIA POLIMENI the government-wide score of 69 to also address some An NHGRI conference and 6.4 points higher than the HHS-wide score of 75.3. More notably, if NIH were its own agency, our of the fundamental will celebrate the work legacies of Aristotle in of Dr. David Depew, engagement score of 81.7 would put us in 2nd place among large agencies, right after NASA. modern biology. professor emeritus at To learn more about how NIH prioritizes employee engagement, read https://bestplacestowork. the University of Iowa. Depew’s work speaks org/analysis/profiles/cdc-nih/. View NIH’s results at https://bestplacestowork.org/rankings/ to some of the foun- detail/?c=HE38 and the full government-wide rankings at https://bestplacestowork.org/ dational questions that have emerged out of the rankings/?view=overall&size=large&category=leadership&. evolutionary synthesis, affirming that philosophy of biology without the history of biology cannot address fundamental questions about the natural world. His work underscores the political and and learn levels of staff and determine what services can social ramifications of biological knowledge, while more about its and should be provided. also affirming that developments in philosophical components. Read details at Follow @NIHEmplSrvcs on Twitter for more infor- vocabulary continually inform discussions of mation about services to help you balance work biology and evolution. https://hr.nih. gov/about/ and family, make healthy food choices, as well as Eight internationally recognized scholars will draw events/hr-clinic. other programs and employee services to improve from themes in Depew’s work across several areas Register at your well-being. of the history and philosophy of biology. https://www. eventbrite. The History of Genomics Program collects, com/e/ organizes and makes accessible historic materials human-resourc- related to the field of genomics and NHGRI. By es-clinic-part- bringing together historians and philosophers of nering-in-support-of-science-tickets-160010821675. biology, the conference will help to increase the Questions? Contact [email protected]. understanding of genomics, its history and its phil- osophical and ethical implications in the scholarly community and among the wider public. FAES Coffee Bar, NIHFCU Branch Reopen in Bldg. 10 To register, visit https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ register/WN_IbUvTMIIS2KwS9wCyi1_aA. The Bldg. 10 FAES coffee bar and the NIH Federal Credit Union branch have reopened to staff, patients and visitors. Human Resources Clinic Aug. 3 Scheduled The coffee bar will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is located adjacent to the NIH’s Office of Human Resources will host an FAES Bookstore (which is also open) on the 1st HR knowledge and personal connection clinic, floor in Bldg. 10. Direct questions to ORS at (301) “Partnering in Support of Science,” on Tuesday, 827-3248 or [email protected]. Aug. 3 for the scientific and administrative community. Join the virtual WebEx event from Also, NIHFCU, on the B1 level of Bldg. 10 (next to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a full day of sessions the B1 cafeteria), is now providing full services. hosted by HR subject matter experts. Topics This branch will be open on Wednesdays and include benefits, compensation, performance Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the foreseeable management, CIVIL and more. Attendees may future. For more information, visit: https://www. select the session(s) they would like to attend nihfcu.org. The FAES Bookstore and several other throughout the day. As more people return to the physical workplace, employee amenities have reopened in Bldg. 10. The clinic is an opportunity to connect with OHR ORS will continue to evaluate the return to work

2 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 using his time at NIH to develop his KID Birth Cohort projects in Africa, the U.S. and around the world. NEI Joins Nigeria’s National to study the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to stunting in Nigerian children. “Dr. Musa Kana has really proven himself to be a Eye Centre in Research very strong scientist, communicator and organizer, Stunting—impaired growth and development in and has really pushed this collaboration forward,” Partnership children—is a significant issue in Nigeria and other said Dr. Peter Kilmarx, FIC deputy director. “The BY LESLEY EARL parts of Africa. But one of the major gaps for future looks pretty bright for this kind of collabo- Kana has been how to manage data collection and ration. We’re excited to assist NEI in setting up this The National Eye Institute has created a U.S.-Africa storage for his massive project. project, especially with its strong emphasis on data vision research collaboration with Nigeria’s National science and vision science.” Eye Centre (NEC) to study children’s eye health. In Goetz’s knowledge of data science—and in a recent virtual ceremony, NEI director Dr. Michael particular, her experience running NEI’s eyeGENE “Once I get this project up and running, I’d like to Chiang and NEC director Dr. Mahmoud program—will help close that gap. expand beyond Nigeria,” said Kana. “I’ve gotten Alhassan signed a memorandum eyeGENE is a database of genetic and to know and establish collaborations with my of understanding between the two phenotypic information from people colleagues in the [APTI] fellowship program, who organizations. The event also hosted a with rare genetic eye diseases, paired come from many different countries. I hope to use virtual scientific symposium on vision with biological samples and contact these connections to expand this vision research research with speakers from the U.S. information for participants. Over project across Africa, really getting to understand and Nigeria. the 13 years since its inception, data the connection between the environment, genetics and samples from eyeGENE have and vision health.” The agreement forms the framework contributed to hundreds of research for a new African vision research con- publications. sortium and the African Longitudinal Eye (ALE) Study to be centered at the “eyeGENE has a robust framework for NEC in Kaduna, Nigeria. gathering clinical data and biobanking samples, and this kind of framework ALE, focusing on visual outcomes, will Dr. Musa Kana can serve as a model for Dr. Kana’s be initiated as part of the Kaduna Infant project,” said Goetz. “For now, we’re Development (KID) Birth Cohort Study, still building protocols and setting up the project, which is being created by Dr. Musa Kana, currently but hopefully we’ll be working together for many a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of years to come.” Environmental Health Sciences. Although this new agreement is non-binding and provides no funding, “When I saw that eyeGENE collects data from it clears a path for NEI and NEC to all over the United States, trying to share expertise, resources, data and figure out what is the genetic basis of more in pursuit of vision research. rare eye diseases, this really struck a ON THE COVER: Scientists teach computers to chord with me,” said Kana. “I had so analyze brain cells. While analyzing brain cells, a “It’s our hope that through this many questions about how we collect, computer “thinks” about which cellular structure program we can connect with the manage, store and archive our data, to identify. next generation of scientists in Africa and Ms. Goetz is really helping me get and make a long-term collaboration IMAGE: STEVEN FINKBEINER, GLADSTONE INSTITUTES answers to those questions.” AND UCSF of all areas of eye diseases,” said Dr. Gyan Prakash, associate director of To capitalize on Goetz’s experience, NEI’s Office of International Program Kana has expanded the vision The NIH Record Activities. “There are tremendous component to his KID study, creating Since 1949, the NIH Record has been published research gaps and opportunities ALE. This vision research project biweekly by the Editorial Operations Branch, when it comes to genetics, infectious will enroll pregnant women, collect Office of Communications and Public Liaison, diseases and other eye conditions in environmental and genetic data and National Institutes of Health, Department of Health Dr. Gyan Prakash and Human Services. For editorial policies, email Africa where we can learn from each then follow the eye and vision health [email protected]. other. We hope this collaboration will of children through their sixth year. Of help us work with our colleagues in Africa to close particular interest is the development of myopia, Editor: that gap, improving the health of people there, in a condition that is rapidly increasing in prevalence Carla Garnett • [email protected] the U.S. and around the world.” around the world. Associate Editor: Dana Talesnik • [email protected] The partnership began with a chance “There haven’t been a large number Staff Writer: meeting last year between Kana and of studies about eye and vision health Eric Bock • [email protected] Kerry Goetz, associate director of NEI’s during prenatal and early childhood Office of Data Science and Health development in Africa,” Kana said. Editorial Intern: Informatics. Both were attending “Collaborating scientists from NEI, from Amber Snyder • [email protected] a virtual science event for the NIH other U.S.-based research institutions, Subscribe via email: Follow:

Common Fund’s DS-I Africa program. from institutions in Africa, will be able Facebook “f” Logo https://go.usa.gov/x6mgQCMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps nihrecord.nih.gov/ to come on board and ask questions Kana belongs to the first cohort of the The NIH Record about the developmental origins of is recyclable as African Postdoctoral Training Initiative eye health and diseases and use the mixed paper. (APTI) Fellowship, a program organized platform that we’re creating.” by NIH’s Fogarty International Center that brings postdoctoral fellows from In addition, Kana intends to build a across Africa to NIH for several years of genetics and biobanking platform training. With a background in perinatal Kerry Goetz based on the eyeGENE model, which and pediatric epidemiology, Kana is will be available for future research

NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 • 3 on detail to OSTP, outlined aspects of DARPA that a fledgling ARPA-H could adapt. ACD members expressed both excitement and some concern. “Nobody’s sold yet that we have [ARPA-H design] exactly right,” Collins acknowledged, “but we have a pretty interesting shape that now needs some of those details to be filled Dr. Eric Lander and Dr. Tara Schwetz in, and that’s what we’re going to be doing.”

LANDER IMAGE: CASEY ATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY Listening Sessions on ARPA-H have been BROAD INSTITUTE planned. See sidebar below for schedule. Meharry’s Dr. James Hildreth, during a 2018 ACD meeting Progress Versus Covid PHOTO: CHIA-CHI CHARLIE CHANG ACD The 122nd ACD meeting deliberated for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 more than 10 hours spread over the course Most of the first day focused on updates of 2 days. Collins began day 1 of the ACD from senior leadership: NIAID director that don’t naturally fit into the current meeting as usual with a director’s report Dr. Anthony Fauci discussed vaccines. research apparatus? covering NIH news, events, as well as budget NIAID deputy director for clinical research Advances in the last decade or so have and special projects Dr. Clifford shown what’s possible, he said, Lane and NHLBI director Dr. and the current “moment Gary Gibbons talked about of unprecedented scientific accelerating Covid therapeutic promise” challenges us to look interventions (ACTIV). at critical gaps in the traditional NIMHD deputy director research structure. Dr. Monica Webb Hooper and Noting that speed, risk and NHLBI senior advisor Dr. George agility would be critical elements Mensah briefed the group on of ARPA-H, Lander said, “The the Community Engagement idea is to have this entity Research Alliance (CEAL). coupled closely to NIH so it can During the ACD virtual meeting, Dr. Monica Webb Hooper (l), Dr. George “We have begun to surface a draw on the vast knowledge, Mensah and Dr. Rachael Fleurence addressed NIH efforts against Covid. number of important insights expertise and activities of NIH… from the work of field research but it should be different. It should be and legislative outlooks that had developed teams who are on the ground working in something with a unique culture, organiza- since the December ACD gathering. real time—listening humbly and in a bi-di- tion and independence to take risks and do Of course, in the age of worldwide rectional way,” noted Webb Hooper. “Their things in different ways.” pandemic, “normal” updates have given work is shaping the adaptation of public Another familiar face, NIH associate way to progress reports on NIH’s advances health messages and interventions, based deputy director Dr. Tara Schwetz, currently against Covid-19.

ARPA-H Listening Sessions Set Information on Listening Sessions: • Aug. 4 | 2-3:15 p.m. ET Biomedical and Translational Research and General Medicine In July and August, NIH, in collaboration with the • July 26 | 2:15-3:30 p.m. ET Ophthalmology, Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ White House Office of Science and Technology Deafness and Communication Disorders, and register/WN_GPE5ldIBRdiicRBZgAbftQ Policy, is organizing a series of listening sessions Dental and Craniofacial Disorders with the science community to get feedback Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ • Aug. 5 | 10:30-11:45 a.m. ET Allergies and from patient advocacy groups, industry, scientific register/WN_xyOCRlVhQNOEHkPbYZMvqA Infectious Diseases, and Global Health professional organizations and other stakehold- Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ ers to inform the planning process for ARPA-H. • July 30 | 9-10:15 a.m. ET Minority Health and register/WN_uqEpOrDvSfmcmpPha0G5WA Meetings are open to those who want to register. Health Disparities, and Nursing Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ • Aug. 11 | noon-11:15 p.m. ET Genomics, Biomedical Sessions will vary in format from broad, public register/WN_DmDWe5pLQP2x6esau3LgXQ Engineering and Imaging, and Health Informatics, discussions to smaller, invitation-only meetings to and Medical Libraries discuss more sensitive information. • Aug. 2 | 9-10:15 a.m. ET Addiction and Alcoholism Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ register/WN_u0tOSwDyRQagCIpIjc-fnw Materials from the sessions, including agendas, register/WN_WdrYgSdLQY-dJdMKJ-lhvQ summaries, presentations and videos will be • Aug. 16 | 2:30-3:45 p.m. ET Neurology and posted on the ARPA-H website, as applicable. • Aug. 3 | noon-1:15 p.m. ET Diabetes, Digestive Mental Health Disorders and Kidney Disease, Child and Maternal Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ Videocasts of open meetings that took place Health, and Complementary and Integrative register/WN_FZQ8HVvlQ8GrNmCX5mYAiQ before July 26 are available here: https://www. Medicine nih.gov/arpa-h/events. Register https://nih.zoomgov.com/webinar/ register/WN_ENGS22LEQdSBNTm5fZz-rQ

4 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 “What [NIH is] doing is going to change the prospects for folks who look like me in TIME TO NOMINATE research for many decades to come.” NIH Office of Strategic Coordination NIMHD Calls for 2022 Coleman program officer Dr. Gene Civillico and NIH Research Award Applicants deputy director for program coordination, planning and strategic initiatives Dr. James NIMHD recently announced its 2022 William G. Coleman Jr., Ph.D., Minority Health and Anderson talked about the Common Fund’s Health Disparities Research Innovation Award. Bridge to Artificial Intelligence initiative. This competitive award program is designed Final Report Delivered on Animal Research to support 1-year ACD member Dr. Barbara Wold innovative research projects contributed PHOTO: CALTECH The ACD working group on enhancing rigor, transparency and translatability in by postdoctoral on engagement within communities.” animal research delivered its comprehensive fellows, staff sci- entists and staff Field insights from more than 100 53-page final report, which contained a clinicians within engagement activities include notable mis- number of recommendations organized in the NIH Intramural information about Covid-19 and vaccines, five themes. Research Program elevated vaccine hesitancy and low vaccine “What we’re all working toward,” con- that have the poten- confidence, inequitable access to vaccine, cluded working group co-chair Dr. Barbara tial for high impact in any area of and overall adverse effects of the pandemic Wold of California Institute of Technology, minority health and Dr. William Coleman, on mental health. For the latest CEAL news, “is a much more robust body of knowledge— health disparities for whom the visit https://covid19community.nih.gov/. for the time that we scientists put into the research award is research. NICHD director Dr. Diana Bianchi and entire enterprise, for the use of animals named, died in 2014. Preference will be special assistant to the NIH director for in the most ethical way, for the dollars given to candidates Covid diagnostics Dr. Rachael Fleurence coming from the public and, ultimately, for under the mentorship of NIMHD intramural described progress with rapid acceleration of the amount of benefit that we all get from or adjunct intramural investigators, although diagnostics (RADx). improved health care.” this is not a requirement for the award. Resubmissions are permitted. The award will NHLBI deputy director Dr. Amy After discussion, ACD members voted allow up to $15,000 for supplies and services Patterson ended the Covid presentations unanimously to accept the group’s report, to be spent by Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. with a report on RECOVER (researching which is online at https://acd.od.nih.gov/ Interested applicants may submit as research Covid-19 to enhance recovery), NIH’s documents/presentations/06112021_ACD_ teams or individuals. comprehensive effort aimed at understand- WorkingGroup_FinalReport.pdf. ing and addressing long-term effects of the Adjourning the 2-day meeting, Collins Applications will be accepted until Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, 5 p.m. ET to nimhdcole- illness (also known as PASC, or post-acute congratulated the group for surviving the [email protected]. Applicants will be sequelae of SARS-CoV-2). marathon Zoom session with resilience and notified of award status by Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. NIH deputy director for extramural enthusiasm. Coleman became the first permanent African- research Dr. Mike Lauer and NIH deputy “It has been quite an intense and widely American scientific director in the history of the director for management Dr. Alfred Johnson divergent set of topics that we put in front of NIH IRP in January 2011, when he was appointed closed the day’s session with a presentation you,” he said, noting the impact of occur- to direct NIMHD’s IRP. He was known for his on NIH efforts to redress harassment. rences over the last 18 months of global belief in the power of mentorship. He dedicated pandemic coupled with national civic unrest. himself to mentoring and training future UNITE Update Offered scientists, from grade school students through “We are energized by your presence and the Day 2 began with a report on UNITE by postdoctoral fellows, particularly in health opportunity to talk about these things. We disparities research. its co-chairs, new chief officer for scientific do grow weary at times, but we don’t lose For award application details, visit https:// workforce diversity Dr. Marie Bernard, heart. We’re privileged to be involved in this Johnson and NIH principal deputy director nimhd.nih.gov/programs/intramural/ noble enterprise of biomedical research. We research-innovation-award/eligibility.html. Dr. Lawrence Tabak. A representative do shoulder a lot of responsibilities, but we of each of UNITE’s five subcommittees embrace that.” briefly discussed objectives and long- and Annual Food Drive Accepting Online With notes of optimism, a video of Collins Donations short-range targets to eliminate structural performing his Covid-specific rendition of racism in biomedical science at NIH and in NIH is participating in the Feds Feed Families Here Comes the Sun closed the meeting. virtual summer food drive now through Tuesday, the broader scientific community that NIH ACD day 1 is archived online at https:// Aug. 31. The campaign will again be run entirely funds and influences. videocast.nih.gov/watch=42269 and online with three ways to contribute and track “Francis has done something extraordi- day 2 is at https://videocast.nih.gov/ donations. The Office of Research Services is NIH’s sponsoring organization. For more information, nary,” said ACD member Dr. James Hildreth watch=42270. of Meharry Medical College, after UNITE’s visit the website at https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/ FedsFeedFamilies/Pages/default.aspx. presentation of its initial goals and progress.

NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 • 5 Manchanda that inferior care CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 is disproportion- ately experienced by marginalized also address the social and structural drivers populations. of health equity for patients and the commu- Research shows nities they serve. Getting the fullest picture that lower-income of health to provide the best care requires diabetic adults like understanding patients’ social needs and Mrs. M have an looking at the broader social and structural almost 30 percent environment—where people eat, sleep, work higher rate of and play, said Manchanda. hospital admissions He has seen the need, having worked at the end of the with low-income families, homeless month due to food veterans and rural immigrants. Currently, confirmed hypoglycemia. It wasn’t a rare insecurity compared to higher-income Manchanda is president and CEO of episode. Mrs. M has type 2 diabetes and has adult diabetics, said Manchanda. Before the HealthBegins, a firm that helps health care had trouble keeping her blood sugar stable. pandemic, 1 in 8 Americans reported food and community partners address social and Doctors search for what’s causing her low insecurity; now, millions more lack access to structural barriers to health equity. blood sugar, but the problem is systemic. enough food. “The needs are greatest in communities that have been historically marginalized due to structural racism and economic inequity,” • • • he said at a recent virtual Deputy Director for Management seminar. “Improving the social and structural drivers And it’s pervasive. Too many people are of health equity is ...a practice, a part of what it means to drowning in financial, food and/or housing insecurity. deliver the highest standard of care for patients.” Meet Mrs. M, a middle-aged widow with ~DR. RISHI MANCHANDA two young children. She works 2 low-wage jobs, 1 of which has a health plan. She spends • • • $2,600 annually on health premiums and out-of-pocket costs. “At that bedside, in that health care Manchanda explained that Mrs. M lives In March, Mrs. M was rushed to the ER system, more likely in that community, we in a food desert that exists “because of policy after coworkers found her listless. Tests don’t really apply the same level of rigor [as and political choices we’ve all made as a we do with society.” Redlining, which dates back almost biological or a century, “still ripples through the decisions behavioral and the zoning issues, not just for housing issues] when and banking, but also for other policies, it comes to including access to food.” evaluating— A new strategy is needed to turn the with precision tide. Manchanda suggests an “upstreamist” and with approach, described by an old parable he efficacy—the adapted and retells to new practitioners. social factors Three friends are relaxing by the river that drive poor when suddenly they spot people drowning. and inequita- All three jump in to help. ble outcomes,” The first friend jumps in to rescue people Manchanda struggling in the water. The second goes said. “I would farther upstream and grabs branches to build argue from a raft so she can usher even more people to experience: the safety. The rescuer and the raft-builder play failure to do so vital roles in saving people, but each day at is tantamount the river, they find themselves rescuing the to providing same people, said Manchanda. They’re com- Manchanda delivers his virtual presentation as Office of Human Resources director Julie Berko, CIT executive officer Jill Gaffey and NIH deputy director for sub-standard mitted but getting fatigued and frustrated; management Dr. Alfred Johnson listen. care.” And implicit biases start surfacing.

6 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 Launer To Lead NIA Lab Dr. Lenore J. Launer has been named chief of the Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences (LEPS) in NIA’s Intramural Research Program. With her new appointment, Launer will strive to expand the NIA IRP’s epidemiology program and its translational collaborations across NIH and the wider scientific community, focused on improving the health of all older Americans. Launer joined LEPS in 1999 as head of its neuroepidemiology section and has served as acting chief since Meaningful change can only come about if there are ways for people from marginalized communities 2010. She started her to participate in institutional oversight, said Manchanda. NIH career in 1988 as an NICHD epidemiology training fellow. Meanwhile, the third friend—“the of what it looks like to build institutional upstreamist”—swims even farther upstream, transparency.” Once health care institutions Dr. Lenore J. Launer From 1990 through to find out what’s causing these people to identify inequities among patients and 1999, she developed her interests in aging science through several aca- fall in the water. The story offers a profound employees, he said, the data must be made demic appointments in the Netherlands (Erasmus lesson for anyone involved in health care, public and the rationale for how to address University Medical School, Free University and Manchanda emphasized, and the moral and inequities should be explained and made the National Institute for Public Health), where business case for moving upstream is getting available for public scrutiny. she collaborated in studies of neurologic diseases stronger every day. As someone who has built clinics and including dementia and migraine headache. She earned tenure in 2005. “Improving the social and structural helped design and lead health equity drivers of health equity is not an academic interventions in marginalized communities, pursuit primarily,” he said. “It’s a practice, a Manchanda underscores addressing unmet part of what it means to deliver the highest needs, most of which tend to be social, standard of care for patients and uphold the not medical. In one case, he converted a highest standards of institutional responsi- health center into a medical-legal clinic bility to our communities.” where a public interest lawyer was the main So, the question looms: how can health attraction. care institutions integrate and advance the “When you address social and legal social and structural drivers of health equity needs explicitly through an equity lens, you at scale? unlock possibilities to also improve health The transformation, he said, needs to care access and other important measures happen at all levels—individual, community of clinical quality and population manage- and societal. For institutions to drive this ment,” he said. That integrated health-social transformation, Manchanda created a care model stabilized lives and greatly NIDDK Offers Tips to Help Reboot Your formula to describe what needs to be in reduced ER visits, while improving care Healthy Routines 2 place: E=AMC .To advance equity, he said, satisfaction and reducing patient-level and Following a challenging time, it can be tough to get requires accountability, motivation, work- systemic inequities. back into a healthy routine. NIDDK is sharing tips force competencies and system capabilities. “We’re in a moment right now where to help people looking to start—or reinvigorate—an Accountability has several integral many institutions across the country have active and healthy journey. Try these tips to help components, he said. Meaningful change committed publicly to addressing structural manage your weight and stay active: can only come about if there are ways for racism, to identifying racism as a public • Add motion to your day. people from marginalized communities to health crisis, to addressing social and struc- • Have healthy snacks on hand. participate in institutional oversight. There tural drivers of health equity—to moving also must be mechanisms for transparency, upstream,” said Manchanda. “We’re in a • Reduce screen time and time spent sitting. answerability, institutional redress for past moment where I hope we can take the next • Be prepared for setbacks—they are normal. Reach harms and consequences for persistent step…to start to really interrogate the degree out to family and friends for support. shortfalls in the pursuit of equity. to which we’re doing this work well.” For more tips and strategies for healthy living, visit Manchanda called NIH’s UNITE “a model https://go.usa.gov/x6JVu.

NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 • 7 Bharti and his team take blood cells from AMD patients, reprogram those cells into iPS cells and then give the iPS cells instructions to develop into RPE cells.

AMD into the numerous different types of cells in When it comes time for the new cells to be CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the human body as the embryo develops. surgically transplanted into the patient’s eye, and provides a secure base for light-sensing “iPS cells for all practical purposes are what remains of the biodegradable scaffold photoreceptors to grow on. There are two identical to embryonic stem cells,” Bharti is implanted along with the cells, to provide types of AMD—dry and wet—and Bharti’s said, “but the beauty is that we can make structure as the cells integrate with the rest new treatment applies to the dry form, which them in a dish.” The technique is fairly new of the retina and grow on their own. Bharti is more common. but is often preferable for several reasons, has observed this newly grown layer “halt In dry AMD, the cells that make up the such as to avoid the controversy surround- and reverse progression of disease.” RPE die off. Without the RPE to support ing embryonic stem cell use. iPS cells are One of Bharti’s main hopes for this phase them, photoreceptors also begin to die off, also preferable to embryonic stem cells 1 trial is “to demonstrate that one can do causing vision impairment. w w w “Symptoms of AMD start off as spotty vision in the center of your vision,” Bharti “iPS cells for all practical purposes are identical to said, and progresses to the point where embryonic stem cells, but the beauty is that patients “lose a big chunk of their central vision and go blind in the center part of we can make them in a dish.” their vision.” It is estimated that 1 in 4 ~DR. KAPIL BHARTI individuals over age 80 have some degree of AMD. w w w Before Bharti’s new stem cell-based because they are sourced from the patient’s clinical trials for patients using their own iPS therapy of transplanting a patch of RPE cells, own body and therefore their derivatives are cells, and then we can demonstrate that the AMD patients were treated by injecting new less likely to be rejected when transplanted patients’ own RPE patch can be delivered RPE cells in fluid suspension into the retina. back into patients. safely to the back of the eye, can stay and This method was not ideal, because the Bharti and his team take blood cells from integrate safely to the back of the eye, and evidence that cells assembled into a func- AMD patients, reprogram those cells into iPS hopefully start functioning over time.” tional monolayer is limiting. cells and then give the iPS cells instructions In the future, he hopes to develop a Bharti’s research has revealed a method to to develop into RPE cells. To make a patch technique to replace the entire retina, which replace the RPE and its surrounding tissue: of RPE cells, Bharti and his team let RPE will help patients with severe dry AMD using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells mature on a biodegradable scaffold. that have little to no remaining RPE and that are made from the patient’s own blood This entire process takes about 6 months to photoreceptors. cells. Naturally occurring pluripotent stem make fully mature RPE cells starting from Towards this aim, Bharti’s team also cells are found in embryos and differentiate patients’ own blood cells. signals some cells to differentiate into photoreceptor and choroidal cells (a structure just behind the RPE) to make a fully functional 3-D-patch. The process is a slow one; component cells are 3-D printed as “bio-ink” onto a biodegradable scaffold, and these cells grow together to form a functional RPE with surrounding tissue as the scaffold breaks down. View the entire lecture at https://www. Shown with NIH director Dr. Francis Collins (r), Bharti’s team receives the NIH Director’s Award in 2017. youtube.com/watch?v=Vmad6JqmC-Q.

8 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 DIGEST

Single-Shot Vaccine Effective Against Variants The legal purchase age is 21 for nicotine products and alcohol in all states and for cannabis in states that have legalized nonmedical cannabis use. In an NIAID-funded study, the immune response to the single-shot Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine remained robust against variants. The In contrast to consistent rates of marijuana and alcohol use, nicotine vaping in high school seniors declined during the pandemic, along with declines in results appeared in Nature. perceived availability of vaping devices. Raising the federal minimum age The three vaccines against SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes Covid- for tobacco, including vaping, products from 18 to 21 in early 2020 may 19—that have received emergency have contributed to this dip in vaping use. News reports on vaping-induced authorization for use in the U.S. lung injuries may have also had a chilling effect on usage. were developed early in the pan- demic, before the virus mutated The data for the study came from the annual Monitoring the Future survey to produce the variants now found of substance use behaviors and related attitudes among adolescents. In a around the world. typical year, MTF surveys thousands of middle and high school students at more than 100 schools across the country. In the current study, researchers examined the immune response to Investigators issued surveys during early spring and summer 2020. Analysis SARS-CoV-2 variants after vaccina- of the responses revealed that students perceived a sharp decrease in Ongoing studies of all authorized tion with the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine, availability of marijuana and alcohol in the months after the onset of the Covid-19 vaccines have found developed by Janssen/Johnson & pandemic. The survey revealed the largest year-to-year decreases in promising results against Johnson. The researchers tested perceived availability of marijuana and alcohol ever recorded since the circulating variants. antibody and immune cell activity survey began in 1975. IMAGE: PROSTOCK STUDIO /ISTOCK/GETTY against the original strain of SARS- While pandemic-related restrictions limited social interactions, most CoV-2 as well as the alpha, beta students said they still had access to marijuana and alcohol. and gamma variants and another variant first isolated in California. Among those who received Ad26.COV2.S, the team found neutralizing Diet Changes Can Reduce Migraine Headaches antibodies against the variants. But the vaccine induced lower levels of A diet higher in fatty fish helped frequent neutralizing antibodies against the variants compared with the original migraine sufferers reduce the frequency virus. For example, the team saw a 3-fold reduction in antibodies that could of headaches and intensity of pain com- recognize and bind to the gamma variant. They found a 5-fold reduction in pared to participants on a diet higher in those targeting the beta variant. vegetable-based fats and oils, according Yet other immune responses against the variants resembled those against to a new study. The findings—by a team the original virus. These included the production of non-neutralizing of researchers from NIA, NIAAA and the antibodies, which can help immune cells recognize an invading pathogen. University of North Carolina at Chapel Different types of T cells, which help recognize and kill pathogens, also Hill—were published in The BMJ. Women between the ages responded similarly against the variants compared with the original virus. This study of 182 adults with frequent of 18 and 44 are especially prone to migraines. The different types of immune responses to the vaccine may account for migraines expanded on the team’s previ- IMAGE: FIZKES/ISTOCK/GETTY the protection against variants seen in South Africa and Brazil during earlier ous work on the impact of linoleic acid (a studies, when the beta and gamma variants dominated. Newer variants, polyunsaturated fatty acid derived from such as the rapidly spreading delta variant, will also need to be tested.— corn, soybean and similar oils) on chronic pain. The earlier study found that a diet lower in linoleic acid and higher in omega-3 fatty acids (like those adapted from NIH Research Matters found in fish) could soothe this pain-pathway inflammation. Adolescent Marijuana, Alcohol Use Held Steady When the study began, participants averaged more than 16 headache days During Pandemic per month, over 5 hours of migraine pain per headache day, despite using multiple headache medications. In a 16-week dietary intervention, partic- Adolescent marijuana use and binge drinking did not significantly change ipants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 healthy diet plans and received during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite record decreases in the substances’ meal kits with foods containing varying levels of omega-3 and linoleic acid. perceived availability, according to a survey of 12th graders in the U.S. The NIDA-funded research was led by investigators at the University of The diet lower in vegetable oil and higher in fatty fish produced between Michigan, Ann Arbor. 30 and 40 percent reductions in total headache hours per day, severe head- ache hours per day and overall headache days per month compared to the The study’s findings, published control group. Blood samples from this group of participants also had lower in June’s Drug and Alcohol levels of pain-related lipids. Dependence, challenge the idea that reducing adolescent use of Migraine, a neurological disease, ranks among the most common causes of drugs can be achieved solely by chronic pain, lost work time and lowered quality of life. More than 4 million limiting their supply. people worldwide have chronic migraine and more than 90 percent of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during an attack, which “It is striking that…usage rates held can last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days. Current medications for migraine steady for these substances,” said usually offer only partial relief and can have negative side effects including NIDA director Dr. Nora Volkow. sedation and the possibility of dependence or addiction. “This indicates that teens were able Adolescent marijuana use and binge to obtain them despite barriers drinking did not significantly change NIA scientific director Dr. Luigi Ferrucci said, “This research found intriguing caused by the pandemic and during the pandemic, MTF finds. evidence that dietary changes have potential for improving a very debili- tating chronic pain condition like migraine without the related downsides of despite not being of age to legally IMAGE: PROSTOCK/ISTOCK/GETTY purchase them.” often-prescribed medications.”

NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 • 9 MILESTONES

QUEST TO UNCOVER MOLECULE’S SECRET discovery led her down a new path. enzymes that help activate it. People with NIDCR’s Park Retires After 42 In an experiment to pinpoint proteins impaired eIF5A or hypusine modification Years at NIH modified by transglutaminase, one candidate enzymes exhibit developmental delays, containing an as-yet unidentified molecule intellectual disabilities, seizures and mild BY TIFFANY CHEN showed up. Further analysis suggested that, abnormalities in facial features, according Dr. Myung Hee Park, a contrary to the team’s to a recent study by Park and her collabora- senior investigator in hypothesis, this protein tors at Columbia University. NIDCR’s molecular and candidate was not actually “From the very basic science discovery of cellular biochemistry modified via transglutami- the hypusine pathway to now understanding section, was clearing nase reactions, but by some its connection to human health, it feels like a out her lab ahead of her other reaction. full circle,” Park says. retirement when she Park relayed her suspi- She’s now working to publish her team’s found a notebook from cions to her mentor, NIDR research on new animal models they the 1980s. On the lines of biochemist Dr. John Folk. developed. The mice, which are engineered the yellowed pages lay the “He asked me, ‘If it is not a to express low levels of hypusine modi- beginnings of her unex- transglutaminase reaction, fication enzymes or eIF5A in the brain, pected journey unraveling then what is it? You figure it display learning, memory and cognitive a previously unknown out,’” recalls Park. impairments. The animal traits reflect biological pathway vital to Dr. Myung Hee Park retires from Within a couple of characteristics of patients with neuro- nearly all life on Earth. Her NIDCR after 42 years. months, Park answered developmental disorders linked to the work opened a new field that question when she hypusine pathway. of research, and 42 years later, is revealing discovered the reaction that formed the The animal models that Park leaves important clues about certain neurodevelop- mysterious molecule, which she identified behind could help scientists find and test mental disorders. as hypusine, an unusual and little-studied potential therapeutic compounds for these “Nobody knew about this pathway—we amino acid. disorders. Her lifelong research findings stumbled on it by accident,” says Park, who Unlike most other amino acids, hypusine could also serve as a foundation for studies to retired June 30 after four decades of service is found in only one protein, which Park and develop cancer interventions. Based on the at NIDCR. “This is often how progress is collaborators later identified as eukaryotic pathway’s important role in tumor forma- made in science—you cannot plan on discov- translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). tion, reducing its activity could curtail the ering certain things.” Park’s experiments showed that hypusine growth of cancer cells. Such was the case in 1979, when, as a is formed in the eIF5A protein via a series While pioneering science at the lab visiting fellow, Park joined the Laboratory of reactions catalyzed by enzymes in the bench, Park also has been a leading figure of Biochemistry at the National Institute of so-called hypusine modification pathway. among the Asian American and Pacific Dental Research, NIDCR’s predecessor. She In contrast to most other enzyme modifi- Islanders communities and women scien- was tasked initially with studying the activity cations, which often occur in many different tists at NIH. She served as president of the of an enzyme called transglutaminase, which types of proteins, the hypusine modification NIH Korean Scientists Association and is involved in wound healing, blood clotting process acts only on eIF5A. Without it, the the NIH chapter of the Korean-American and hair formation. But a serendipitous protein does not become activated to carry Women in Science and Engineering group, out its function. providing opportunities for collaboration “The cell devised this complicated and guidance in career development to a pathway to modify a single protein,” says new generation of scientists. Park. “From the very beginning, we knew “Science is exciting and being a scientist this had to be a vital process in the cells. is a 24-7 calling,” says Park. “It’s always in my Otherwise, it’s not economical for the body brain and I even dream about it.” to develop these complex mechanisms.” While she welcomes the change of pace From then on, Park made it her mission retirement brings, Park is not walking away to understand the pathway and its biological entirely. She will serve as a special volun- significance. She spent her career character- teer at NIH, following the latest scientific izing each step, identifying the proteins and developments and providing her expertise enzymes involved and defining their func- to collaborators. tions in cell growth and animal development. “Because of NIH’s support, I was able Park’s research showed that eIF5A to blossom as a scientist and carry out my indeed plays a crucial role in cells by regu- ideas,” Park concludes. “NIH is probably the lating protein production, cell growth and best place in the world for scientists to get In 1979, biochemist Park with mentor NIDR’s tumor formation. Mice and yeast cannot training, if they’re willing to work hard.” Dr. John “Jack” Folk survive without the eIF5A protein or the

10 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 laboratory of Dr. David Hausman at MIT. She then Over the past several years, she initiated and led became an assistant professor at the department an ambitious charge to create and distribute a of genetics at Washington University, St. Louis, thousand new cancer cell lines, developed directly before coming to NIH in 2004. from patient biopsies using recent advances in cell culture technology. These new models will help Gerhard had a hand in several major programs at researchers more accurately assess how patients NCI. She was a charter member of the influential will respond to various treatments. cancer genomic characterization program known as “The Cancer Genome Atlas,” for which she As much as Gerhard was committed to her work, implemented patient sample collection and data she also cared deeply for her many colleagues. processing pipelines. Her team looked forward to chocolates, fruits or homemade sweets to start off group meetings. A She then led the counterpart program for childhood cake was her group’s annual tradition to celebrate cancers known as TARGET, which is still ongoing International Women’s Day. She was also known and has provided valuable insights into the patho- Dr. Daniela Gerhard to routinely text colleagues to confirm if they genesis and therapeutic vulnerabilities of acute caught their daily shuttle or inquire about a loved lymphoblastic leukemia, neuroblastoma and other one’s health. NCI’s Gerhard Remembered devastating cancers. She had an immense knowl- edge of childhood cancers and steadfast dedication Perhaps she will be best remembered and admired Dr. Daniela Gerhard, director of NCI’s Office of to improving the lives of these young patients. for her indomitable work ethic. “It is true Dr. Cancer Genomics, passed away suddenly on June Gerhard expected the absolute best from us and 25. She spent more than 17 years committed to Some of Gerhard’s recent work focused on also herself,” explains Dr. Subhashini Jagu, a health developing and executing large-scale genomics precision oncology—translating lab discoveries into science administrator at NCI. “She never stopped research programs for NCI. new treatments that can be used in the clinic. She encouraging us to become stronger and more led a network of extramural investigators who used independent so that we could become scientific “Daniela was a special talent,” said Dr. Louis Staudt, gene knockout technologies, high-throughput drug leaders of her caliber.” an NCI scientific director. “She lived for her work screening and other cutting-edge technologies and was one of the best scientific administrators to discover and exploit vulnerabilities of specific Gerhard’s family requested that any donations in I’ve ever come across.” cancers. The discoveries in this program have her memory be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research already led to many clinical trials. Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate- Gerhard earned her undergraduate degree from to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now) or Barnard College and her Ph.D. in molecular These are merely a few of Gerhard’s many scientific to her alma mater Barnard College (https://giving. genetics from Cornell University. She continued her contributions spanning the breadth of cancer barnard.edu/s/1133/campaign/start.aspx). molecular genetics research as a postdoc in the genomics research.

Retired NEI Administrative Officer Napper Mourned NEI retiree Churchman Louis Napper Sr., died May 24. He began his career at NIH in 1963 as a heart and lung technician. He had served from 1957 to 1961 as a medical technician in the U.S. Army. He worked as senior administrative duty officer at the Clinical Center before being appointed the first African-American administrative officer at NEI in 1970. Napper was instru- mental in planning NIH’s Combined Federal Campaign effort in 1975, when NEI served as the lead institute. NEI retiree Churchman Louis Napper Sr., died May 24; at right, he’s shown in a 1975 NIH Record photo. “I first met Mr. Napper in 1967 when I began work at NIH,” recalled Joan Lee, to have had Mr. Napper in my professional life. (Any wonder why a retired former EEO manager at NEI. “In 1970, Mr. Napper, I continually refer to ‘Mr. Napper’ rather then Lou), this is the the administrative officer NEI-IR, hired me for the position of respect he earned and deserved.” secretary to the clinical director…In this position, [he] became my In 1978, Napper received an NIH Director’s Award “in recog- advisor and my mentor. Under his leadership, my career, as well as nition of ingenuity, perseverance and dedication in establishing [the careers of] others, flourished...Mr. Churchman Napper, in my the best possible environment for the conduct of clinical vision judgment, was an administrative genius. He was instrumental in research.” encouraging teamwork—so important in the intramural area. [He] He retired in 1992 after more than 30 years of federal service. was stern, but also compassionate and funny. He had high expecta- Survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Annette, a son, tions for his staff members and provided the resources and support daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. to enable each of us to reach our fullest potential. I am fortunate

NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021 • 11 FAPAC Celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month In observance of 2021 Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the NIH chapter of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) and partners from other federal agencies at the Department of Health and Human Services organized two events in May. The national theme was “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service.” Screenshot from the virtual panel discussion on leadership

Virtual Panel on Leadership recognize a public health leader whose enduring Murthy and Dzau also reflected on the unprec- The first event, “Conversations with AANHPI efforts have made a significant impact on advanc- edented challenges during the pandemic and Leaders at NIH: Tips on Leadership and ing public health. discussed the root causes of health disparities. Empowering the Next Generation,” was a panel They noted the importance of the country coming At the first lecture, Murthy recognized internation- together to recognize our shared values. discussion featuring Dr. Noni Byrnes, director of ally renowned cardiologist and global health expert the Center for Scientific Review; Dr. Michael Chiang, Dr. Victor Dzau, president of the National Academy They discussed the underrepresentation of AANHPI director of the National Eye Institute; and Dr. Rena of Medicine and former chancellor for health affairs individuals in leadership positions and how cultural D’Souza, director of the National Institute of Dental at Duke University, for his public health efforts differences in leadership styles may be a potential and Craniofacial Research. during the Covid-19 pandemic. cause. Cultural factors were also touched upon The event recognized AANHPI leaders who have when discussing mental health issues, which have After opening remarks by NIMHD director Dr. Eliseo increased during pandemic times. made significant contributions to public health and Pérez-Stable, NIMHD deputy director Dr. Monica provided insights about leadership and vision for Webb Hooper moderated a conversation between Murthy offered helpful strategies for those the future. Murthy and Dzau. They shared their personal experiencing emotional distress: spend 15 minutes experiences as immigrants from India and China, a day reaching out to your loved ones, offer quality time over quantity and serve others. Finally, in addressing how public health leaders can build trust within our country and the world, Dzau said that they need to rely on science, recognize when they may not have the answer, communicate clearly and consistently and prioritize the welfare of others above their own. Dr. Victor Dzau (l) and Dr. Vivek Murthy have a virtual conversation, moderated by Dr. Monica Webb Along with NIH’s FAPAC, NIMHD organized the Hooper. event in partnership with the USPHS Asian Pacific American officers committee, FAPAC’s FDA and The three institute/center directors shared their respectively, their encounters with discrimination Parklawn chapters, AAPI groups at CDC and HRSA personal journeys, particularly cultural impact on and how they persevered. Their stories covered and NIH’s EDI. their decisions, encounters with discrimination and themes of managing doubt and taking risks (both how they overcame and persevered. Their work personal and professional), holding onto personal The conversation can be viewed at https://video- and leadership have focused on empowering the values and developing one’s own destination. cast.nih.gov/watch=42089. emerging generation of leaders. NIH principal deputy director Dr. Lawrence Tabak gave opening remarks, highlighting the UNITE Nominate a DDM Seminar Series Speaker initiative to increase inclusivity and diversity in The Deputy Director for Management (DDM) invites you to submit speaker nominations for the 2021- biomedical science. Dr. Christina Liu, chief of the 2022 DDM Seminar Series. Nominations are open through July 31. Biomedical Technology Branch at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, served as The DDM series offers the moderator. NIH’s Office of Equity, Diversity and NIH community engaging Inclusion co-organized the virtual event that presentations that provide attracted more than 870 attendees. meaningful insights into leadership and management The leadership discussion has been archived concepts, challenges, and and can be viewed at https://videocast.nih.gov/ solutions. Each seminar watch=41843. provides NIH employees the opportunity to advance their Inaugural Murthy Lecture Series knowledge of best practices in a variety of leadership and The inaugural Dr. Vivek H. Murthy Distinguished management issues. Lecture Series for Public Health Leadership occurred on May 27. To submit a speaker nomina- Past speakers include (from l) Carla Harris, Cy Wakeman and Nick tion, visit http://ddmseries. Morgan. This was the first in a series of fireside chats and od.nih.gov/nominate.aspx. lectures in honor of Murthy, the 19th and 21st U.S. surgeon general. The goal of the series is to

12 • NIH RECORD • JULY 23, 2021