- 2 - 
supply the focus and coordination, or to establish the administrative 
arrangements that will be needed to get the research under way. Rather, 
I envision its function as being to advise on and support initiatives 
taken elsewhere. 
I think it would be very much in the interest of the NIH, and of science 
in general, for NIAID to assume the responsibility for a program on risk 
assessment. I do not have a clear picture of what this would entail; 
certainly competence in microbial genetics and bacterial pathogenesis, 
possibly animal virology, and facilities for P4 level research would be 
needed. An intramural operation, possibly located at Fort Detrick, 
should be considered. 
This problem offers a crucial opportunity for NIAID to become more strongly 
identified with recombinant DNA research, to supply urgently needed leader- 
ship, and to perform an essential and urgent function. I think there would 
be immense support for such a program, from all levels of interested people. 
A copy of a letter outlining some of my thoughts on the scientific 
aspects of risk evaluation is enclosed. 
Wallace P. Rowe, M.D 
1 Enel 
as 
sg 
[ 541 ] 
