OMB responds to scientists' concerns
Archived article from Oct 22, 1999
By Joseph Blumberg
In the Sept. 21 issue of Focus, President Francis L. Lawrence expressed concerns about pending congressional legislation to allow public access to all data coming out of federally funded research. The proposed measure, an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110, would govern grants to nonprofit institutions.
Lawrence said the proposed measure could affect the way university scientists conduct research. His remarks were echoed in thousands of comments sent to OMB. Now the agency has responded with its final revision, which addresses many of the scientific community's concerns.
The revised amendment, published Oct. 8, incorporates important exclusions. Scientists will not be required to divulge preliminary analyses, draft papers, trade secrets and commercial information, communications with colleagues or other materials deemed confidential by the researcher. The revision also protects personal privacy by excluding the exposure of personnel and medical information about study subjects.
The final language also specifically addresses Lawrence's request for clarification of what constitutes published research findings, one of the fundamental underlying concepts in defining what OMB may release. This narrower interpretation may draw a court challenge from some trade associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The revised circular applies to any grants awarded after Nov. 8.
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