Dear Colleagues:

Last year, I wrote about our efforts to update the Institute’s Long-Range Plan for fiscal years (FY) 2015-2019. When complete, our Long-Range Plan will outline the Institute’s perspective on research needs and opportunities within NIAMS’ mission, and will serve as a resource for all who are interested in NIAMS’ activities. Because we will continue to devote the majority of our extramural budget toward funding the best investigator-initiated research ideas, the new plan will encourage creative approaches for generating the scientific discoveries that will ultimately improve the health of the American public.

In September 2013, we discussed this activity with our Advisory Council, and the Institute also issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit comments on how the plan should be updated. We gathered additional information through listening sessions with the community. This input was combined with the numerous scientific opportunities that our communities have identified, and are continuing to identify, through NIAMS-sponsored roundtable discussions and scientific planning retreats. The draft plan was shared with our Advisory Council in advance of its June 2014 meeting, and feedback from the Council members has been incorporated.

We are now inviting comments on the draft plan from the broader community through NOT-AR-14-020, issued on June 23 in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. Please review the draft Long-Range Plan for FY 2015-2019 and submit your comments using the web form by July 31, 2014. As academic researchers, representatives of patient and health advocacy organizations, members of professional societies, clinicians, and individuals and families affected by the diseases and conditions within NIAMS’ mission, we welcome your thoughts.