Lobbying efforts to create a separate institute for imaging research at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) may be gaining ground. A House of Representatives subcommittee on health and environment will hold a hearing Wednesday to discuss the creation of a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering.
The Academy of Radiology Research in Washington, DC has been leading efforts to establish the institute for over five years. Hearings on the legislation (H.R. 1795) could bring the project closer to fruition, according to the academy.
Proponents believe the institute is needed because imaging at the NIH is studied as it relates to specific organs or diseases that are already under investigation by existing centers, such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A concerted focus on basic imaging research is needed to make quantum technological leaps and propel imaging technology in new directions, advocates say.
Along with stimulating basic research in imaging technology, the proposed institute would fund and coordinate technology assessment and outcomes research efforts. The academy believes the institute would help focus existing research efforts throughout the government. Imaging research is currently undertaken by a wide variety of federal agencies, both within and outside the NIH, with little coordination, according to the academy.
The initiative has apparently struck a chord within the imaging community, based on recent efforts by AuntMinnie.com to garner support for the proposal. Since last Wednesday, more than 2,000 AuntMinnie.com users have signed an online petition in favor of the institute.
The Academy of Radiology Research is urging the radiology community to fax letters in support of the legislation to House subcommittee members. For more information, visit the academy’s Web site at www.acadrad.org.
By Erik L. RidleyAuntMinnie.com staff writer
September 11, 2000
Related Reading
More NIH funds could aid imaging effort, January 25, 2000
Radiology accelerates drive for imaging institute in 2000, January 11, 2000
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