Life Sciences in the Space Program 



Division does not have a specific applications program, life sciences personnel 

 at the Centers have communicated effectively with private enterprise. 



Recommendation 



• The Life Sciences Division should continue to cooperate with private 

 enterprise to help build awareness, interest, and support for the Division's 

 research and development efforts. This should be accomplished primarily 

 through Center personnel. The Division should consider identifying a staff 

 member at NASA Headquarters as the focal point for the receipt and referral 

 of suggestions for applications. 



Finding 



• The Life Sciences Division supports programs, such as the Biomedical Research 

 Program, that may generate commercially viable applications in the near term. 

 Life sciences applications research and technology transfer at NASA are prin- 

 cipally supported by the Office of Commercial Programs through publications 

 and special projects and through the Commercial Centers for the Development 

 of Space. Other significant applications research and technology transfer 

 programs in life sciences include the Health Maintenance Facility and the 

 working groups on commercial applications, both of which are supported by 

 the Space Station Office. 



Recommendation 



• The Life Sciences Division should continue to cooperate closely with other 

 NASA offices that support applications research and technology. 



— In addition, Division representatives should have an advisory role in the 

 Commercial Centers for the Development of Space in the Life Sciences. 



— The Division should take an active role in the Life Sciences Commercial 

 Group and in supporting the Scientific and Technical Information 

 Facility. 



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