The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest multi-disciplinary scientific society and the publisher of the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Science, has for many years engaged in programs related to the role of science in national security. The development of a strategic plan to address future and potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats is a critical step in protecting our nation.
We are pleased that the HHS Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) incorporated AAAS’s comments (submitted on October 10, 2006) on the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise (PHEMCE) Strategy and also considered our recommendations for scientific experts to participate on the National Biodefense Science Board (submitted July 2007). We respectfully offer the following comments on the draft BARDA strategic plan…