At the meeting, Bronwen Loder of the Commission of the European Community reported the recent startup of the EC's genome program, beginning with $20 million in funding for the first two years. Although she admitted that this is a modest amount, it represents all new funding. In addition, Michèle Durand of the French embassy in Washington, D.C., reported that France's genome p r o g r a m f o r m a l l y b e g i n s next month. The program will receive $40 million in 1991 ($10 million of which is newly appropriated) and $50 million in 1992 (including $20 million in new money). James D. Watson, director of NIH's National Center for Human Genome Research, questioned the nature of the French effort. He wondered aloud whether its focus on scientifically interesting coding regions of the genome—as opposed to more basic physical and genetic mapping efforts—reflected France's intention to provide "chocolate" w h i l e the U.S. project provides " b r e a d . " Watson has reportedly clashed in the past with officials from several countries, notably Japan, about the extent of their commitment to the project. In a related effort, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on the startup of a genome
Watson: "new money"
funding
program that will map and characterize plant genes as well as develop new sequencing technologies. According to Stephen R. Heller of UDSA's Agricultural Research Service, $14.7 million has been appropriated for the program in fiscal 1991, $11 million of which is for competitive grants. Recently, questions have been raised about the scientific justification for the genome project, and es-
pecially its high cost in a time of tight research funding. In response, Watson and other project organizers have been emphasizing the largely "new money" nature of project funding, and the fact that the project could help scientists understand and eventually treat hundreds of genetic diseases. Moreover, he and others have emphasized the need for greater participation by other countries. Stu Borman
NSF young investigator program may be slashed A National Science Foundation task force will recommend cutting the agency's Presidential Young Investigator (PYI) awards program by 50% or more, C&EN has learned from a well-placed source. The panel also will suggest changing the program's focus from beginning to more experienced researchers and eliminating the option of obtaining matching funds from industry. The PYI program was established in 1983 as a way to encourage young scientists and engineers to choose careers in academic teaching and research. NSF currently bestows about 200 of the prestigious awards each year to y o u n g faculty members nominated by their institutions. The PYIs receive a minimum of $25,000 per year for five years, with a possibility of up to $100,000 annually if they obtain industrial funding. The program has been controversial, however, because the winners are chosen on the basis of recommendations rather than a research proposal or proven record of accomplishment (C&EN, Nov. 5, page 24). Also, a study prepared for NSF shows that PYIs differ little from their peers in either their commitment to academia or their contacts with industry. According to the source, the task force's suggestions would alter the PYI program significantly. They would reduce the number of PYI awards to between 25 and 100 per year. There still would be no requirement for a research proposal, but the nominees would be more experienced researchers who have achieved some success in independent research rather than just shown potential.
In addition, the task force is advising NSF to give each PYI a total of $250,000, with no requirement for obtaining matching funds. It suggests awarding the funds all at one time as a lump sum. Although the group's report is now being prepared, no action is likely to be taken on its recommendations until NSF's new director, Walter E. Massey, is on board early next year. Pamela Zurer
Dixon reelected ACS Board chairman The American Chemical Society's Board of Directors has reelected Joseph A. Dixon its chairman for 1991. It will be his second consecutive year as board chairman. Dixon, who is professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University, has been director-at-large on the board since 1987. Meeting last week in Washington, D.C., the board also elected two members to its Executive Committee for 1991—Paul G. Gassman (1991 immediate past-president) and William A. Nevill (Region IV director). In keeping with a board regulation adopted last year to ensure continuity on the Executive Committee, Gassman was elected to a two-year term, and Jean'ne M. Shreeve (Region VI director) will serve the final year of the two-year term for which she was elected last year. Ex-officio members of the committee in 1991 will include board chairman Dixon, president S. Allen Heininger, president-elect Ernest L. Eliel, and ACS executive director John Κ Crum December 10, 1990 C&EN
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