Plan Preparation

Strategic Plan Objectives

The Strategic Plan was envisioned as a “scientific blueprint for the next decade.” It had two overarching objectives:

1. Develop a living, working plan from an inclusive and participatory process.



2. Identify strategic priorities where NHLBI:
   
   • Initiates – does not happen unless the Institute takes a lead
   • Catalyzes – Institute facilitates the outcome
   • Supports – investigator-initiated research

The Planning Principles

The development of the plan was guided by four main principles:

1. Identify the scientific directions for which NHLBI is well positioned to make major contributions



2. Ensure an inclusive process with grantees and other NHLBI constituencies having an active role



3. Look inward as well as forward; evaluate NHLBI operational policies as part of the process



4. Create a truly living document by providing for ongoing implementation and evaluation

Scientific & Operational Questions

Four questions served to guide the Level 1 Working Group meetings.

1. What are the most pressing scientific opportunities and challenges in heart, lung, blood and sleep research?



2. What are the obstacles to progress and what must be done to overcome them, including needed technologies and resources?



3. How should NHLBI business operations be changed to facilitate this research?



4. How is the NHLBI uniquely positioned to enable the community to address these opportunities and challenges?