41 
It is expected that these will be worked out with further operational exper- 
iences. To what extent are the centers to form an integrated coordinated 
whole? To what extent and by what means is the "national" center to serve as 
a focal point in the total centers program for communications, information, 
(10) The ARB has had difficulty in establishing clear-cut communications on 
steps leading to sources of support for additional activities at a center 
from other NIH or PHS supported programs, other public or private granting 
agencies, or private individuals or organizations. An attempt is made by 
the staff to obtain such information early from the directors of the centers. 
It is more difficult to obtain early and complete information from the many 
support programs of the NIH and PHS. These communications problems have yet 
to be satisfactorily resolved. 
(11) There is the question of the interrelationship of the Regional Primate 
Research Centers Program and the Animal Resources Branch staff on the one hand, 
and NIH grant applications for support of projects involving subhuman primates 
on the other. The ARB staff is in a favorable position to provide or to 
obtain expert advice relative to the procurement and maintenance of primates 
for research. Should the ARB staff serve as an additional source of advice 
to NIH review groups not in DRFR? If so, by what communication mechanism 
should they do so? 
(12) The regional centers are still in a relatively early period of develop- 
ment and are not at a stage at which one should expect "startling discoveries." 
A problem arises as to if and when such ''^discoveries" are expected and demanded 
in return for the financial investment in research. The maximum usefulness 
of these centers, as a national resource, lies not in infrequent "startling 
discoveries" but in a steady, continuous and highly competent level of research 
and training activity. 
(13) One problem, related to that just mentioned, is inherent in the human 
tendency to want to know quickly what the financial investment in the centers 
has bought in terms of program activity and research results. This tends to 
lead to attempts at early evaluations. Those who first conceived the program 
envisioned a project that would be established on a very long-term basis (for 
a hundred years or more). The staff sees to it that periodic evaluations are 
made of developmental progress. But full development of these centers prob- 
ably will take not less than five and perhaps as many as ten years. Attempts 
to evaluate a completed center very likely would be premature before at least 
five years after the completion of construction. 
_7/ As indicated in some of the legislative language of the Congressional 
hearings relative to the establishment of a national "primate conditioning 
center. " 
