The Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking applicants to fill appointments to the Director’s Council of Public Representatives (COPR). Applications are due December 15, 2006 and are available online at http://copr.nih.gov/application.asp.  New members will be notified of their conditional appointments in time for the April 20, 2007 COPR Meeting.  Applicants will be notified regarding the final appointees in the summer of 2007.  
 
The COPR advises the NIH Director on cross-cutting issues related to medical research and health issues of public interest that ultimately promote individual, family, and community health. Examples of such broad issues that the Council has been involved with include the role of the public in the research process, public trust in the research enterprise, public input and participation at the NIH, enhancing public awareness and education about the NIH, clinical trials recruitment issues, and aspects of the NIH Roadmap, such as reengineering the clinical research enterprise.
 
The COPR consists of up to 21 individuals who are selected from among the diverse communities that benefit from, and have an interest in, NIH research, programs, and activities. Members typically serve on the COPR for three to four years. To be considered for the COPR, applicants must have some interest in the work of the NIH and must be in a position to communicate regularly with the broader public about COPR and NIH activities. Applicants must also be willing to fully participate in biannual COPR meetings, regular conference calls, and working group activities throughout the year.  
 
For more information or to obtain an application online, visit the COPR Web site at http://copr.nih.gov/application.asp. To request an application by mail, contact the COPR Resource Staff by phone at (301) 650-8660, Ext. 136, by fax at (301) 650-7172, or by e-mail at COPR1@palladianpartners.com.

        Jennifer E. Gorman

        NIH Director's Council Coordinator

        and Public Liaison Officer

        Office of Communications and Public Liaison

        Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health

        Bldg. 31-5B64C, Bethesda, MD  20892

        Phone:  301-435-4448; Fax:  301-480-4026


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