40 
(5) It is possible that a difficulty may arise in regard to the relationships 
between a director of .a center and the principal investigator or others in 
the host institution^ . Depending upon the seriousness of the problem, it may 
be solved locally by the host institution or its solution may require the inter- 
vention of the Federal granting agency. Federal intervention can take place, 
but this is regarded as undesirable unless absolutely necessary. However, the 
staff stands ready to assist in a local solution when asked to do so. 
(6) Primary control of a center and its activities rests with the director of 
the center, the principal investigator in the host institution, and the NIH 
(DRFR) staff. There is a problem in regard to the most appropriate distribu- 
tion of this control and the inter-relationships involved. The goal is to 
attain communication and mutual understanding. Most of the center directors 
were selected because of their recognized research accomplishments; it is 
expected that their research experience and interests would strongly influence 
the initial orientation of the center programs. Their goals may or may not 
be identical with Congressional intent. To what extent and by what means is 
DRFR to exercise influence or pressure upon a center if its program is not 
completely fulfilling Congressional intent? 
(7) What should be the policy position of NIH with respect to funds from another 
agency or private source being used for the construction of additional facil- 
ities at a center site to expand the program of the center? What responsibility 
does the NIH have to see that such additions will not change the purposes of 
the center from those intended by Congress? A policy position on this point 
has not been clearly worked out and probably will become well defined only 
when required by actual developments. 
(8) The "regional" or "national" role and responsibilities of a center are 
yet to be clearly defined or widely understood by potential users of a center, 
including those wishing to be accepted as visiting scientists, whether they 
are from the local region or from far away. This is largely a matter of mutual 
education and understanding between the center director and staff and the 
potential users. A problem does exist as to the best mechanism for deciding 
whether to provide facilities and animals to near or distant applicants. 
Ultimately, the responsibility for the decision must rest upon the director 
of the center. Should he make these decisions alone as director or should he 
have an advisory group for this purpose? What responsibility does DRFR have 
to see that any particular desision- making mechanism is set up at the center?— 
(9) The respective roles of the "regional" centers and the "national" center 
and the functional relationship between them have not yet been clearly defined. 
_5/ A problem of this type did arise once and was resolved locally with great 
difficulty. 
6/ Experience thus far has indicated that some persons have assumed that 
because a center is "regional" and government- supported they can obtain facil 
ities and animals practically on demand, which is not the case. 
