Role of the External Scientific Panel (ESP)
The purpose of the ESP is to help the investigators think broadly and to advance the science of pharmacogenetics, as well as to facilitate functioning as a truly interactive network, by providing scientific feedback and objective advice.
Charge to the ESP
- The ESP will be advisory to the Pharmacogenetics Research Network (PGRN), as an independent panel of experts offering scientific input and suggestions for network effectiveness.
- The ESP will put its emphasis on network-wide activities, although occasionally specific research groups’ needs may be addressed.
- Working subcommittees of the PGRN may invite individual members of the ESP to contribute to activities (e.g., to attend a meeting or advise a task force).
- Informal questions may be directed to individual ESP members based upon their scientific and clinical areas of expertise, either at the network or research group level.
Meeting Responsibilities, Written Reports and Responses
- There will be one face-to-face meeting per year and a conference call with the PGRN, ideally approximately 6 months apart.
- At meetings, a scientific writer will capture short summaries of discussions with key points, and provide synopses of the Q & A sessions between the ESP and PGRN.
- The PGRN will respond in writing to the ESP, in order to have a record of feedback received and plans made.
- All written materials will be circulated for error correction, and reports and responses will be posted at the PGRN intranet at PharmGKB.
Terms of ESP appointment and membership
- ESP members will be nominated and selected by PGRN members; they will be subject to the approval of NIH.
- The initial terms of appointment are expected to be for one year, with one year renewals upon mutual agreement. Members may be reappointed several years for continuity or brought back as ad hoc members for a particular meeting.
- The ESP or the PGRN may make suggestions for membership changes to ensure that the expertise and breadth of the group are sufficient; outside ad hoc members may be added as the need arises.
- ESP members should not have significant ongoing associations with PGRN groups. If during the course of the funding period new relationships develop, they must be declared to all, and the member will resign from the ESP.
NIH Interactions with the ESP
- The NIH will assist by helping the PGRN to set up the ESP and to plan for its meetings, along with the PGRN Chair.
- The NIH will monitor the quality of the ESP advice and may consider the responsiveness of the PGRN in evaluating progress of the network.
- The report and response process will be transparent to all parties, and reports and responses may be shared with NIH advisory and oversight groups.