This report was produced at the request of the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) and is based on the expertise and perspectives of the members of the NRC Committee on New and Emerging Models in Biomedical and Behavioral Research (biographical data are provided in Appendix B), on published data, and on information gathered by the committee through a survey and a workshop, discussions with other scientists, and the comments of those who reviewed the committee's draft report. This report addresses the role of the NCRR in supporting models for biomedical research and their related infrastructure. Accordingly, it is limited in scope and is intended to answer the following specific questions:

• What is NCRR's role in model development, support, and infrastructure?
• What can NCRR do that is unique and not likely to be undertaken by other NIH institutes?
• How should NCRR establish funding priorities?
• What criteria can NCRR use to set funding priorities?

Contents

• COMMITTEE ON NEW AND EMERGING MODELS IN BIOMEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH
• INSTITUTE FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
• COMMISSION ON LIFE SCIENCES
• Preface
• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
  • The Committee's Charge and Approach
  • Structure of the Report
• 2. Biomedical Model Definition
• 3. Essential and Emerging Research Fields and Technologies
  • Functional Genomics
  • Aging
  • Behavior and Neurobiology
  • Complex Disease
  • Model Discovery
  • Mathematical Modelling, Computational Simulations, and Scientific Databases
  • Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases
• 4. Overriding Issues
  • Issues Within the Purview of NCRR
  • Issues Beyond the Scope of NCRR
• 5. Recommendations
  • Encourage and Support Research Directed at Improving Research Animal Utility, Availability, Health, Welfare, and Maintenance.
  • Create a National Network of Comparative Medical Expertise
  • Create a National Network of Integrative-Biology Expertise that can Serve the Entire Biomedical Research Community
  • Increase the Commitment and Resources for Constructing and Renovating Animal Research Facilities
  • Reinvigorate and Expand Training Opportunities in Integrative Biology
  • Obtain Program Guidance From the Scientific Community
• 6. Criteria
• References
• Appendixes
  • Appendix A Survey Instrument
  • Appendix B Biographical Sketches of Authoring Committee; Workshop Agenda; and Workshop Participants
  • Appendix C Models for Biomedical Research A New Perspective
  • Appendix D Comparative Medical Scientists' Report

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This study was supported by Contract/Grant No. 1 R13 RR11835 between the National Academy of Sciences and the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations or agencies that provided support for the project.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts is president of the National Academy of Sciences.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. William A. Wulf is president of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth I. Shine is president of the Institute of Medicine.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce M. Alberts and Dr. William A. Wulf are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.