NHLBI Specialized Centers of Research (SCOR)/Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR)

Report on Redesigning the Program

Additional information on the SCCOR Program is available on the Web page, Research Support Mechanims—Guidelines and Descriptions.

Specialized Centers of Research (SCOR) programs were initiated by the NHLBI in 1971 in high priority areas to encourage research to translate basic science findings to the clinic. The SCOR concept envisioned a research effort comprising both basic and clinical research projects focused on diseases and clinical problems relevant to the Institute's mission. Interactions between the basic and clinical projects were expected to enhance transfer of fundamental research findings to the clinical setting and to help focus fundamental research investigations on issues of major clinical importance.

Recent reviews by panels of extramural scientific experts noted the excellence of the scientific productivity of the SCOR programs, while also observing their relative lack of emphasis on clinical research. As a result, the Director, NHLBI, appointed an internal Institute committee to review the SCOR program and make recommendations for its future structure. Their report, which follows below, was presented to and enthusiastically endorsed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council at its meeting on October 18, 2001. As a result of the favorable Council review, the NHLBI has taken immediate steps to reformulate its SCOR programs in accord with the recommendations of the committee.

The committee's recommendations have resulted in the creation of the Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) Program. Detailed information about this new program can be found in the SCCOR Program Description.

Report from the Committee to Redefine the Specialized Centers of Research Programs , (100KB)

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