by scientists who bring sympathetic understanding to the problems of 

 research. The agency must have the necessary flexibility to modify its 

 procedures in the light of experience. 



From available information it is estimated that approximately 5 to 7 

 million dollars annually could be used effectively in the immediate postwar 

 period. As the research program develops a larger sum may be required. 



Recommendations 



The Committee recommends that Government aid be provided for medi- 

 cal research through the creation of an independent Federal agency to be 

 called the National Foundation for Medical Research. The Foundation 

 would consist of a board of trustees, a technical board, and the necessary 

 administrative organization. 



The board of trustees would consist of five eminent scientists appointed 

 by the President with the approval of the Senate for terms of 5 years, and 

 in such a way initially as to secure rotation by the retirement of one member 

 each year. The trustees would serve on a part-time basis, be paid for their 

 work, and be appointed without regard to civil-service laws. Meetings of 

 the trustees would be held monthly with one meeting annually in each of 

 six geographical regions. The trustees would determine the policies of the 

 Foundation and act on all requests for funds. 



The technical board would consist of 12 scientists, representing special 

 fields of medical science, appointed by the trustees for terms of 3 years, and 

 in such a way initially as to secure rotation by the retirement of 4 members 

 each year. Technical board members would serve on a part-time basis, be 

 paid for their work, and be appointed without regard to the civil-service 

 laws. Members of the technical board would have the necessary aides and 

 ad hoc committees to assist them in the performance of their duties. The 

 technical board would forward all requests for funds to the trustees with 

 recommendations for appropriate action, follow the progress of work sup- 

 ported by the Foundation, and prepare reports or appraisals requested by 

 the trustees. 



The financial and other business affairs of the Foundation would be in 

 charge of a full-time executive secretary responsible to the trustees. 



The Foundation would not engage in research but would initiate and 

 coordinate research in existing institutions and maintain liaison with inter- 

 ested domestic and foreign agencies. 



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