by Louis V. DePaolo, Ph.D.
Chief, Reproductive Science Branch

Input Sought on NIH Peer Review
Efforts are underway to obtain your input on the grants process, particularly peer review, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the system to allow scientists to spend more time doing the science rather than on the application/review process. The NIH Director, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, has established two working groups to gather input, both internally and externally. According to Dr. Zerhouni, the findings from both groups will be integrated into a white paper that will prioritize ideas for pilot testing. The deadline for input was September 7th, so hopefully you have expressed your opinions on this important initiative. Additional information on this process is available at www.nih.gov/about/director/newsletter/Summer2007.htm.

Major Roadmap Initiative on Epigenetics Soon to be Launched
A major NIH-wide initiative on the epigenetics of human health and disease is set to be launched in fiscal year 2008. The science of epigenetics deals with changes in gene expression and function that are not due to alterations in DNA sequence. The first initiatives are likely to focus on development of reference epigenomes, creation of computational infrastructure and technology/reagent development. NICHD plans to participate in this trans-NIH initiative on epigenetics, so stay tuned!

Funding Opportunity Announcement
It is becoming increasingly clear that the quality of oocytes and preimplantation embryos impacts human fertility. Indeed, oocyte/embryo quality may be the single most critical factor influencing success rates in assisted reproduction. In response to this emerging area of importance, the RSB launched a program on female health and egg quality in 2003. In an effort to continue this program, the RSB has issued a Program Announcement (PAR) entitled, "Female Health and Egg Quality" (PAR-07-350, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-350.html) that conveys the continued interest of the RSB in receiving grant applications in this area. Applications submitted in response to this FOA are due October 19, 2007. Due to the nature of the science, these applications will be evaluated by a special review panel. Although there are no set-aside funds to support the applications submitted in response to this FOA, such applications will be given priority in making funding decisions.

Reproductive Medicine Network Announces Award Recipients
The Reproductive Medicine Network, the clinical trial arm of the RSB, will begin another funding cycle this summer. The institutions and principal investigators of the clinical recruitment sites are (*denotes renewal center): 

• Pennsylvania State University (R. Legro)*
• University of Colorado (W. Schlaff)*
• University of Michigan (C. Christman)
• University of Pennsylvania (C. Coutifaris)*
• University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (R. Brzyski)
• University of Vermont (P. Casson)
• Wayne State University (M. Diamond)*

The Data Coordinating Center was awarded to Yale University (H. Zhang).

Congratulations to these investigators, and we look forward to a productive year ahead!