The January 2008 Nexus highlighted how essential it is that the NIH–in collaboration with grantee institutions and, most importantly, with you–works to maintain the highest standard of objectivity in all our research endeavors. To this end, the NIH is engaged in a system-wide review of policies, procedures and guidance on financial conflicts of interests (FCOI) and is also reexamining guidance provided to staff in their oversight efforts.

On March 24, 2008, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the appointments to the NIH Council of Councils. The NIH Reform Act of 2006 authorized the Council of Councils and the Common Fund to support trans-NIH initiatives.