FStatement of Task

An ad hoc committee will organize a public workshop that will examine how to enable methodological and ethical public health and medical research on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in parallel with and/or immediately following future emergencies. The committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. Specifically, the workshop participants will

• Discuss how to ensure adequate protections for human research participants.
  • Discuss principles that would strengthen informed consent during emergency use scenarios.
  • Explore mechanisms to ensure that investigators and research institutions are aware of resources available to minimize administrative burden.
  • Consider potential tools and guidance that could be developed to enable institutions to utilize central institutional review boards (IRBs).
• Consider the opportunities and challenges associated with establishing a “research first responder” team.
  • Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the research team and how it can perform its functions without interfering with response efforts.
  • Examine what funding mechanisms and infrastructure requirements are necessary to facilitate “research first responder” teams.
  • Consider what triggers could be used to activate the research infrastructure and teams.
• Consider opportunities and structures necessary to enable citizen scientists.

An individually authored summary of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.