| Id |
Subject |
Object |
Predicate |
Lexical cue |
| T765 |
0-53 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Options for Strengthening National Nutrition Research |
| T766 |
54-233 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Based on our review, a strengthened federal nutrition research effort is necessary and should be additive to and synergistic with existing efforts across departments and agencies. |
| T767 |
234-396 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Expanded coordination and investment in nutrition science, rather than a silo-ing of nutrition research or a rearrangement of existing investments, are essential. |
| T768 |
397-640 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Based on the documented burdens, current landscape of research and coordination efforts, and identified opportunities, we first identified 2 priority strategies to strengthen federal nutrition research, which we defined and reviewed in detail. |
| T769 |
641-663 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These were as follows: |
| T770 |
664-877 |
Sentence |
denotes |
1) a new authority for robust cross-governmental coordination of nutrition research and other nutrition-related policy and 2) strengthened authority, investment, and coordination for nutrition research within NIH. |
| T771 |
878-1027 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These 2 strategies were identified as complementary, with benefits accruing independently and further synergies to be gained by joint implementation. |
| T772 |
1028-1258 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A third important, and further complementary, identified strategy was to strengthen authority, investment, and coordination at USDA for human nutrition research, food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics. |
| T773 |
1259-1387 |
Sentence |
denotes |
To achieve success, a key identified theme was the need for not just additional investment but also new authority and structure. |
| T774 |
1388-1515 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Multiple assessments over many decades have identified the fundamental need to strengthen federal nutrition research in the US. |
| T775 |
1516-1964 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This includes, among others, the 1969 White House Conference; the 1977 Congressional call for improved coordination of human nutrition research; the 1983 creation of ICHNR; the 1994 Institute of Medicine report on nutrition and food sciences; the 1996 joint OSTP and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) report on health, safety, and food; the 2000 National Nutrition Summit; and more (Supplemental Table 5 and Supplemental Table 10). |
| T776 |
1965-2145 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Several within- and cross-agency convenings of federal departments and agencies have further identified critical shared interests and research gaps in nutrition research (Table 2). |
| T777 |
2146-2386 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Yet, the full intended impacts of these important efforts were mostly not achieved, in large part because they lacked any new federal structure with strong and sustained authority, robust coordination capacity, and dedicated appropriations. |
| T778 |
2387-2673 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The following sections describe the identified promising options for strengthening nutrition research through 1) increased cross-governmental coordination; 2) increased authority, investment, and coordination within NIH; and 3) increased authority, investment, and coordination at USDA. |
| T779 |
2674-2797 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The majority of these options are being set forth for the first time and, where possible, we reference comparable examples. |
| T780 |
2799-2898 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Identified cross-governmental coordination strategies for strengthening national nutrition research |
| T781 |
2899-3145 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Improved coordination between federal departments and agencies conducting nutrition research has tremendous potential for strengthening our nation's ability to achieve essential fundamental, clinical, public health, and translational discoveries. |
| T782 |
3146-3217 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Key identified strategies are summarized in Table 3 and reviewed below. |
| T783 |
3218-3320 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These options were not found to be mutually exclusive and could be even more effective in combination. |
| T784 |
3321-3440 |
Sentence |
denotes |
TABLE 3 Key cross-governmental coordination strategies for strengthening and accelerating national nutrition research1 |
| T785 |
3441-3502 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Option Description Advantages Disadvantages Paths forward |
| T786 |
3503-3762 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition (ONDFN) President-appointed, Senate-confirmed Director, serving as the Principal Nutrition Advisor to the White House, heads of executive branch departments and agencies, senior military, and Congress |
| T787 |
3763-3828 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence |
| T788 |
3829-3947 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Coordinate and harmonize the work of the ≥10 US departments and agencies that comprise the federal nutrition community |
| T789 |
3948-4071 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Ensure that timely and objective national nutrition information is provided to key federal leaders Tested, effective model |
| T790 |
4072-4112 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Dedicated leadership, staff, and funding |
| T791 |
4113-4249 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Builds on the ICHNR, with much stronger coordination and synergies across departments and agencies and a stronger dissemination platform |
| T792 |
4250-4499 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can be mobilized to advise on urgent situations (e.g., COVID-19) which require pre-existing robust leadership and coordination across departments and agencies Focus on multiple nutrition issues could dilute relative focus on research and innovation |
| T793 |
4500-4654 |
Sentence |
denotes |
May be too high-level to address on-the-ground infrastructure and investment needs of key research agencies Congressional authorization and appropriation |
| T794 |
4655-4721 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Presidential appointment of the Director, with Senate confirmation |
| T795 |
4722-4902 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New US Global Nutrition Research Program (USGNRP) Charged with improving coordination and integration of federal research on food and nutrition and the implications for the nation |
| T796 |
4903-4954 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after the US Global Change Research Program |
| T797 |
4955-5054 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Overseen by the Executive Office of the President and facilitated by a National Coordination Office |
| T798 |
5055-5182 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Funded by a small portion of relevant research budgets from the participating departments and agencies Tested, effective model |
| T799 |
5183-5221 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Dedicated structure, staff, and budget |
| T800 |
5222-5241 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Builds on the ICHNR |
| T801 |
5242-5483 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Renewed and clear mandate for coordination, with explicit requirements for strategic planning, rigorous assessments, and annual reporting Budget dependent on size and commitment of participating departments and agencies to its research area |
| T802 |
5484-5670 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Staffing dependent on detailed personnel from participating departments and agencies, reducing continuity Presidential Initiative (with or without subsequent Congressional codification) |
| T803 |
5671-5752 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congressional authorization, ideally associated with Congressional appropriations |
| T804 |
5753-5933 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New Associate Director for Nutrition Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Non–cabinet-level position, President-appointed and Senate-confirmed |
| T805 |
5934-6007 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Serves as the President's advisor on issues related to nutrition research |
| T806 |
6008-6072 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after other Associate Director positions and initiatives |
| T807 |
6073-6197 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Provides high-level leadership and harmonization to leverage and translate federal and nonfederal nutrition research efforts |
| T808 |
6198-6391 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Identify and help develop more coordinated and innovative nutrition research initiatives Brings a key leader to the White House for improved coordination, communication, and strategic planning |
| T809 |
6392-6477 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Elevates work and impact of individual federal departments and agencies and the ICHNR |
| T810 |
6478-6559 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can hire advisors, special assistants, and fellows to deepen expertise and impact |
| T811 |
6560-6790 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Creates collaborations with private sector, state and local governments, academic communities, other countries OSTP positions can vary greatly from one administration to the next, greatly limiting long-term continuity and success |
| T812 |
6791-6862 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP initiatives may not align with focus or levels of research funding |
| T813 |
6863-6926 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Staffing often small, transient, and reliant on temporary staff |
| T814 |
6927-7051 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Success highly dependent on the skills and interests of the hired person Presidential appointment, with Senate confirmation |
| T815 |
7052-7182 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research Charged with improving coordination and integration of federal nutrition research |
| T816 |
7183-7269 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after the successful US Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria |
| T817 |
7270-7404 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Co-chaired by the Secretaries of HHS, USDA, DoD, and possibly VA, with additional broad membership from other departments and agencies |
| T818 |
7405-7448 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Complementary Presidential Advisory Council |
| T819 |
7449-7575 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Would develop a 5-y National Action Plan with required annual reporting to the President on progress Tested, successful model |
| T820 |
7576-7650 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Executive Order would elevate federal prioritization of nutrition research |
| T821 |
7651-7675 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Cabinet-level leadership |
| T822 |
7676-7734 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Concrete National Action Plan with required annual reports |
| T823 |
7735-7782 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advisory Council to leverage external expertise |
| T824 |
7783-7970 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Strengthen coordination, communication, and budgetary priorities toward the highest-impact shared agenda Presidential Executive Order often does not bring or align with dedicated funding |
| T825 |
7971-8061 |
Sentence |
denotes |
More transient in nature, with defined scope and time period Presidential Executive Order |
| T826 |
8062-8114 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Presidential directive to revise the ICHNR structure |
| T827 |
8115-8157 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congressional inquiry on the above actions |
| T828 |
8158-8220 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Legislation to revise the ICHNR charge, structure, and funding |
| T829 |
8221-8427 |
Sentence |
denotes |
1 COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; DoD, Department of Defense; HHS, Department of Health and Human Services; ICHNR, Interagency Committee on Human Nutrition Research; VA, Department of Veterans Affairs. |
| T830 |
8429-8486 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition |
| T831 |
8487-8851 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) (291), but with a smaller budget and staffing scale, an Office of the National Director of Food and Nutrition (ONDFN) would provide essential coordination and harmonization of the work of the ≥10 US departments and agencies comprising the federal nutrition community (Supplemental Figure 3). |
| T832 |
8852-9064 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ODNI is a crucial office created as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–458) to lead and integrate the diverse intelligence efforts of 16 departments and agencies. |
| T833 |
9065-9250 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Working as one team, ODNI helps synchronize intelligence collection, analysis, and counterintelligence, forging a harmonized system to deliver the most insightful intelligence possible. |
| T834 |
9251-9536 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ODNI prioritizes intelligence-community-wide mission requirements, manages strategic investments to foster innovation and efficiency, evaluates the effectiveness of intelligence programs and spending, and absorbs new missions and develops new capabilities without adding to staff size. |
| T835 |
9537-9641 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Nearly half (40%) of ODNI staff are on rotation from 1 of the 16 participating departments and agencies. |
| T836 |
9642-9815 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Of note, the combined budgets of ODNI members ($50 billion/y) are of a similar scale as the overall current nutrition-related programs (including research) of ICHNR members. |
| T837 |
9816-10065 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would be led by a new, cabinet-level Director of National Food and Nutrition, serving as the Principal Food and Nutrition Advisor to the White House, heads of executive branch departments and agencies, senior military commanders, and Congress. |
| T838 |
10066-10889 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Similar to ODNI, ONDFN functions would include reviewing and coordinating priorities and strategies to maximize nutrition research efforts across various federal investments; establishing objectives and priorities for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of national nutrition monitoring and surveillance; ensuring provision of accurate and timely nutrition information to decision makers; evaluating and improving the effectiveness and synergies of federal nutrition research and policy efforts; overseeing the coordination of external advisory groups and public–private partnerships around nutrition research and policy; developing policies and programs to leverage the distinct efforts of departments and agencies around nutrition; and developing and reporting on performance goals and program milestone criteria. |
| T839 |
10891-10901 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T840 |
10902-11064 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This tested and successful model is on a comparable area of national importance and with a similar size and breadth of relevant involved departments and agencies. |
| T841 |
11065-11174 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would build on ICHNR, but with a much stronger platform to create effective coordination and synergies. |
| T842 |
11175-11390 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would deliver relevant harmonized information to the President, Cabinet, other executive branch leadership, senior military commanders, and Congress for developing policy, programmatic, and budget initiatives. |
| T843 |
11391-11661 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A clear Congressional mandate would provide cross-agency coordination of strategic planning, programmatic review, annual reporting and quadrennial assessments to the President, Congress, and other key stakeholders, budgetary needs, and external research and cooperation. |
| T844 |
11662-11747 |
Sentence |
denotes |
There could also be additional Congressional oversight as needed and interests arise. |
| T845 |
11748-11942 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would also provide dedicated leadership and staff in the executive branch cabinet for federal nutrition research and policy, providing a crucial bridge between research and implementation. |
| T846 |
11943-12255 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These activities and personnel would more efficiently and effectively help identify topics of strategic interest across multiple departments and agencies with significant impact and feasibility, and advance emerging opportunities to accelerate progress across new fundamental and transactional scientific topics. |
| T847 |
12256-12474 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A broad focus would increase synergies, shared priorities, and effectiveness and efficiency of different departments and agencies engaged in activities related to innovation in nutrition, agriculture, and food systems. |
| T848 |
12475-12664 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Like ODNI, a meaningful number of staff would be drawn from existing departments and agencies, creating budgetary efficiencies while maximizing cross-fertilization of ideas and innovations. |
| T849 |
12665-13004 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would have the infrastructure and authority necessary for true cross-department/agency coordination—for example, to develop a modernized approach to the nexus between the agriculture-food-health value chain—including research, policy, and practice from farm inputs and food processing/production to consumer behavior to human health. |
| T850 |
13005-13546 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would also advance the coordination for communication of trusted nutrition information to the American public, which occurs across separate departments and agencies including CMS and VHA (health care providers), USDA (DGAs, SNAP-Ed, WIC education, food safety for meat and poultry), FDA (food safety for other foods, Nutrition Facts, health claims, package warning labels, restaurant menu labeling), NIH (scientific studies), DoE (nutrition and STEM curricula), CDC (school, community, and public health nutrition education), and more. |
| T851 |
13547-13674 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This would help meet the almost explosive growth in public demand for better information on the science of diet-related health. |
| T852 |
13675-13939 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN would combine a national food strategy with coordinated new science, considered crucial to better harmonize law and policymaking around food and agriculture, food safety and nutrition research, and establishing, prioritizing, and pursuing common goals (292). |
| T853 |
13940-14104 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such a strategic plan would create transparency and accountability, including tasks of identifying and monitoring budgets and metrics of success across its purview. |
| T854 |
14105-14410 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A high-level, cross-governmental structure like ONDFN would also be crucial for effective and timely responses on urgent nutrition and food challenges during complex situations like COVID-19, which require immediate and ongoing leadership and coordination at the highest levels of the government (9, 293). |
| T855 |
14412-14425 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T856 |
14426-14530 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This new position and office would require Congressional (legislative) authorization and appropriations. |
| T857 |
14531-14740 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As a cabinet-level office, ONDFN would naturally focus on major federal nutrition issues beyond research (e.g., nutrition assistance programs), which could dilute its relative focus on research and innovation. |
| T858 |
14741-14939 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ONDFN may also be too politically high-level to directly address ways to strengthen on-the-ground infrastructural and investment needs within key federal nutrition research departments and agencies. |
| T859 |
14941-14953 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T860 |
14954-15154 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress can authorize the establishment of ONDFN to advise the President on food and nutrition and lead the coordination of multiple federal departments and agencies, policies, budgets, and programs. |
| T861 |
15155-15244 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The mandate should include a clear emphasis on strengthening national nutrition research. |
| T862 |
15245-15371 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress would also appropriate funding to establish this Office and then provide annual appropriations directly to the ONDFN. |
| T863 |
15372-15555 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress would also indicate the required frequency of reporting (e.g., annual reporting and quadrennial assessments) and indicate the committees of oversight in the House and Senate. |
| T864 |
15556-15633 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The President would then appoint the National Director of Food and Nutrition. |
| T865 |
15635-15675 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New US Global Nutrition Research Program |
| T866 |
15676-15888 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new US Global Nutrition Research Program (USGNRP) would be charged with improving coordination and integration of federal research on food and nutrition and implications for the country (Supplemental Figure 4). |
| T867 |
15889-16130 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The USGNRP would be modeled after the successful US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), established in 1989 by a Presidential Initiative and codified in Congress through the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–606) (294). |
| T868 |
16131-16317 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This Act required a comprehensive and integrated US research program to assist the nation to assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global climate change. |
| T869 |
16318-16611 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Bringing together 13 departments and agencies, USGCRP is steered by the Subcommittee on Global Change Research under the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability, overseen by the Executive Office of the President, and facilitated by a National Coordination Office (295). |
| T870 |
16612-16746 |
Sentence |
denotes |
USGCRP has its own budget that mainly supports the National Coordination Office, staffed with professional coordination support staff. |
| T871 |
16747-16898 |
Sentence |
denotes |
USGCRP is supported by statute through small apportions of participating departments’ and agencies’ research funding dedicated to climate issues (296). |
| T872 |
16899-17110 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Guided by a series of multi-stakeholder strategic plans since 1989 (297), the efforts of participating departments and agencies are coordinated through Interagency Working Groups that span interconnected topics. |
| T873 |
17111-17599 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Annual USGCRP reports and other scientific assessments and resources highlight key program accomplishments, such as observing and understanding changes in climate, the ozone layer, and land cover; identifying impacts of these changes on ecosystems and society; estimating future changes in the physical environment, and associated vulnerabilities and risks; and providing scientific information to enable effective decision making to address corresponding threats and opportunities (297). |
| T874 |
17600-17696 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Similar to USGCRP, USGNRP leadership would be overseen by the Executive Office of the President. |
| T875 |
17697-17958 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Likewise, its National Coordination Office would be staffed by dedicated staff and temporary (“detailed”) staff from participating departments and agencies, and funded by small portions of relevant research budgets from each participating department and agency. |
| T876 |
17959-18395 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition to current ICHNR members, USGNRP could include a more contemporary vision of federal stakeholders who engage with and leverage nutrition research, such as CMS, CMMI, HHS Office of the Surgeon General, FEMA, and Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education, Energy, Transportation, Labor, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Justice (e.g., related to optimal nutrition in the federal prison system). |
| T877 |
18396-18747 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Like USGCRP, functions of USGNRP would include multi-stakeholder–informed strategic planning; Inter-agency Working Groups to identify and coordinate shared priority research and translation; assessment and modernization of nutrition monitoring and surveillance; and creating partnerships with academic, private, and international science stakeholders. |
| T878 |
18749-18759 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T879 |
18760-18834 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This is a tested, successful model on a similarly crucial area of science. |
| T880 |
18835-18956 |
Sentence |
denotes |
USGNRP could build on ICHNR but with the establishment of a dedicated budget from participating departments and agencies. |
| T881 |
18957-19095 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Through strategic planning, new and additive budget initiatives could be formulated and implemented through more sustained appropriations. |
| T882 |
19096-19436 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Compared with ICHNR, USGNRP would have a renewed and clear mandate around improved coordination and harmonization, with explicit requirements for programmatic review, strategic planning, annual reporting, fiscal coordination on new initiatives, quadrennial assessments submitted to the President, and international research and cooperation. |
| T883 |
19437-19695 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Like ONDFN, USGNRP activities would more efficiently and effectively identify topics that resonate across multiple departments and agencies with significant population impact and feasibility, while advancing emerging scientific opportunities and discoveries. |
| T884 |
19696-19865 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Also like ONDFN, a strategic planning process would create transparency and accountability, including tasks of identifying and monitoring budgets and metrics of success. |
| T885 |
19866-20018 |
Sentence |
denotes |
ICHNR subcommittees could be transitioned to Interagency Working Groups to effectively and efficiently foster cross-department and cross-agency actions. |
| T886 |
20019-20180 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As one example, a new DGA Interagency Working Group would have a stronger charge and dedicated staff to address new research needs identified by the latest DGAC. |
| T887 |
20181-20346 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Like USGCRP, the participating USGNRP departments and agencies would utilize a National Coordination Office to help produce high-level and informative reports (298). |
| T888 |
20347-20614 |
Sentence |
denotes |
USGNRP would also intersect with other high-level coordinating structures, such as USGCRP's Interagency Working Group on Climate Change and Health, to enable effective and rapid responses to acute threats such as COVID-19, other pandemics, or other future challenges. |
| T889 |
20616-20629 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T890 |
20630-20948 |
Sentence |
denotes |
If based on the USGCRP appropriations model, USGCRP would be funded by a legislative mandate for contributions by participating members (rather than any new appropriations), so its budget would vary with the size and consistency of commitment of participating departments or agencies to its research areas of interest. |
| T891 |
20949-21101 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Ideally, Congress would also authorize and appropriate some core funding for USGNRP, although no new, dedicated funding has emerged for USGCRP thus far. |
| T892 |
21102-21265 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Also, significant staffing in the National Coordination Office would be temporary (“detailed”) personnel from participating members, which could reduce continuity. |
| T893 |
21267-21279 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T894 |
21280-21365 |
Sentence |
denotes |
USGNRP could be established by a Presidential Initiative, without legislative action. |
| T895 |
21366-21441 |
Sentence |
denotes |
For longer-term success, Congress could later codify USGNRP into law (296). |
| T896 |
21442-21524 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Alternatively, Congress could directly establish USGNRP (e.g., in place of ICHNR). |
| T897 |
21525-21620 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In any of these cases, separate Congressional appropriations are not needed but would be ideal. |
| T898 |
21622-21682 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New Associate Director for Nutrition Science within the OSTP |
| T899 |
21683-21923 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new OSTP Associate Director for Nutrition Science would be a non–cabinet-level position, President-appointed and Senate-confirmed, who would serve as the President's advisor on issues related to nutrition research (Supplemental Figure 5). |
| T900 |
21924-22196 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP, established by Congress in 1976, has a broad mandate “to provide, within the Executive Office of the President, advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest level of Government” (Public Law 94–282). |
| T901 |
22197-22528 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP advises the President on science and technology topics related to domestic and international affairs, leads interagency efforts to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets, and works with the private sector, state and local governments, science and academic communities, and other nations (299). |
| T902 |
22529-22675 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition to the Director, Congress provides the President the authority to appoint up to 4 Associate Directors, subject to Senate confirmation. |
| T903 |
22676-22808 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The statute provides great flexibility to the President with respect to corresponding areas of focus, expertise, and responsibility. |
| T904 |
22809-22952 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Under President George W Bush, there were 2 Associate Directors—one focused on science and the other on technology—each with a Deputy Director. |
| T905 |
22953-23100 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Clinton Administration had 4 Associate Directors, focused on science, technology, environment, and national security and international affairs. |
| T906 |
23101-23374 |
Sentence |
denotes |
President Obama's 4 Associate Directors focused on similar areas, with additional joint appointments of OSTP staff to the National Economic Council, National Security Council (NSC), Domestic Policy Council (DPC), and White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (300). |
| T907 |
23375-23646 |
Sentence |
denotes |
President Trump's OSTP Director, confirmed in January 2019, has expressed interest in military readiness and national security, communication networks, energy and environmental leadership, health and bioeconomic innovation, and space exploration, among other areas (301). |
| T908 |
23647-23787 |
Sentence |
denotes |
President Trump has appointed only 1 Associate Director, confirmed in August 2019, who also serves as the US Chief Technology Officer (302). |
| T909 |
23788-23906 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Prior OSTPs have had advisors on nutrition and, at the highest level, an Assistant Director of Nutrition in 2014–2015. |
| T910 |
23907-23978 |
Sentence |
denotes |
However, OSTP has never had an Associate Director of Nutrition Science. |
| T911 |
23979-24343 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after other Associate Directors, the Associate Director for Nutrition Science would provide high-level leadership to leverage and translate federal and nonfederal nutrition science efforts, identify and help develop more coordinated and innovative nutrition research initiatives, and advise the President on corresponding national and international issues. |
| T912 |
24345-24355 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T913 |
24356-24534 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP has a long history of identifying and elevating science and technology opportunities for the President to help shape policy, programmatic, and resource allocation decisions. |
| T914 |
24535-24635 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP advises the OMB on research and development programs for annual White House budgetary requests. |
| T915 |
24636-24743 |
Sentence |
denotes |
For example, OSTP support was instrumental to the doubling of the NIH's budget between 1998 and 2003 (303). |
| T916 |
24744-24892 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP can lead important coordination activities and reports among different federal departments and agencies as well as external stakeholders (304). |
| T917 |
24893-25087 |
Sentence |
denotes |
An Associate Director of Nutrition Science provides a key leader to the White House to improve coordination, communication, and strategic planning around key priority areas in nutrition science. |
| T918 |
25088-25242 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Associate Director would also work closely with and elevate the communication and impact of individual federal departments and agencies and the ICHNR. |
| T919 |
25243-25505 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Associate Director can hire advisors, special assistants, or White House fellows to deepen expertise and impact and can lead efforts to create new collaborations with the private sector, state and local governments, academic communities, and other countries. |
| T920 |
25506-25620 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Legislative action is not required; the President can simply assign 1 of the 4 allocated Associate Director slots. |
| T921 |
25622-25635 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T922 |
25636-25777 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP positions and areas of focus can dramatically change across administrations, greatly diminishing continuity and long-term effectiveness. |
| T923 |
25778-25902 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP staffing is often small, transient, and reliant on temporary (“detailed”) staff from relevant departments and agencies. |
| T924 |
25903-26173 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Success of this approach would be highly dependent on the skills and interests of the new Associate Director, rather than any concrete or consistent structure or process for strengthening federal nutrition research through increased coordination, funding, and alignment. |
| T925 |
26174-26246 |
Sentence |
denotes |
OSTP initiatives may not align with focus or levels of research funding. |
| T926 |
26248-26260 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T927 |
26261-26355 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A President can appoint an Associate Director for Nutrition Science, with Senate confirmation. |
| T928 |
26356-26737 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress can also recommend a specific Associate Director focus, although recent recommendations were not successful [e.g., the 110th Congress recommended an Associate Director for Earth Science and Applications (Senate 1745), and the 111th Congress recommended an Associate Director and Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology (House of Representatives 5116)] (299). |
| T929 |
26739-26786 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research |
| T930 |
26787-27164 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research would be charged with improving coordination and integration of federal nutrition research—for example, modeled after other timely US task forces such as on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (305); on Veteran Wellness, Empowerment, and Suicide Prevention (306); or on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis (307). |
| T931 |
27165-27364 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As an example, in 2013, CDC, G7, and WHO each released reports or statements on the importance of dedicated prevention and infection-control efforts for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (305, 308, 309). |
| T932 |
27365-27525 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In 2014, a Presidential Executive Order established combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria as a federal priority and created a new high-level task force (310). |
| T933 |
27526-27757 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria was co-chaired by the Secretaries of HHS, USDA, and DoD, with representatives from Departments of State, DoJ, VA, and DHS and the EPA, USAID, OMB, DPC, NSC, OSTP, and NSF. |
| T934 |
27758-27873 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Its functions included developing a 5-y National Action Plan and reporting to the President on the plan's progress. |
| T935 |
27874-28150 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition, a Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria composed of up to 30 members, appointed or designated by the co-chairs, was required to help advise the task force, culminating in a report to the President with recommended actions (311). |
| T936 |
28151-28433 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The resulting National Action Plan, put forward in 2015, continues to guide federal actions toward a coordinated response to this pressing public health issue, directing efforts, personnel, and funding of participating departments and agencies toward a common critical agenda (312). |
| T937 |
28434-28725 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled on that successful task force, the leadership, members, and general functions of a Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research would develop and report to the President on a major new National Action Plan for accelerating and strengthening nutrition discoveries (Supplemental Figure 6). |
| T938 |
28726-28880 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Co-chairs could include HHS, USDA, and DoD (and perhaps VA) Secretaries, with additional broad representation from other diverse departments and agencies. |
| T939 |
28881-29091 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A complementary Presidential Advisory Council on Nutrition Research would include expert members appointed by the co-chairs to advise the task force and provide a report of recommended actions to the President. |
| T940 |
29092-29204 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This task force could also work well with ONDFN and/or the Associate Director of Nutrition Sciences in the OSTP. |
| T941 |
29206-29216 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T942 |
29217-29408 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This is a tested, successful model on an area of science with some similarities, including multiple relevant federal departments and agencies and a need for international collaboration (313). |
| T943 |
29409-29577 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Presidential Executive Order would appropriately elevate the prioritization of nutrition research, create a concrete action plan, and include reporting on progress. |
| T944 |
29578-29710 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The task force would benefit from cross-governmental cabinet-level leadership and include diverse relevant departments and agencies. |
| T945 |
29711-29812 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The high-level Advisory Council provides a formal mechanism to leverage external expertise and input. |
| T946 |
29813-29957 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These elements would together strengthen coordination and communication of existing important research efforts toward the highest impact agenda. |
| T947 |
29958-30092 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Task force activities and reporting would help inform and amplify research budgets directed to participating departments and agencies. |
| T948 |
30093-30136 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This approach does not require legislation. |
| T949 |
30138-30151 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T950 |
30152-30281 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Despite its successes, no new funding was provided nor has emerged for the Task Force on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. |
| T951 |
30282-30364 |
Sentence |
denotes |
That task force also has not developed any coordinated budget initiatives to date. |
| T952 |
30365-30569 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A Presidential Executive Order remains in effect only until revoked, although it can endure across administrations (e.g., the Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria has remained in place). |
| T953 |
30570-30711 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A task force would likely have a defined scope over a set time period, and not provide sustained leadership and coordination into the future. |
| T954 |
30713-30725 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T955 |
30726-30872 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The President can issue an Executive Order to establish nutrition research as a priority and create a US Task Force on Federal Nutrition Research. |
| T956 |
30873-31018 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The President can also direct the heads of OSTP, DPC, and NSC to revise ICHNR coordination structure to more closely follow the Task Force model. |
| T957 |
31019-31297 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could also initiate such a task force by inquiring with the Executive Office of the President or with the relevant department and agency leadership about updating ICHNR or a potential new Presidential Executive Order or directive around nutrition research coordination. |
| T958 |
31298-31452 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could also revise the charge, structure, and funding of ICHNR via legislation to create appropriate activities consistent with such a task force. |
| T959 |
31454-31490 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Other new cross-governmental options |
| T960 |
31491-31885 |
Sentence |
denotes |
At the cabinet level, the Joint Chiefs of Staff could be called upon to focus on necessary nutrition research to address escalating diet-related health burdens on military readiness and national security (25, 86, 92, 314–318), leading coordinated efforts across DoD, other ICHNR members, and the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (Supplemental Text 2, Supplemental Figure 7). |
| T961 |
31886-32123 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–445) to authorize and appropriate a specific funding stream for the DGAs, DRIs, and associated monitoring and surveillance processes. |
| T962 |
32124-32442 |
Sentence |
denotes |
HHS could mobilize existing or new positions within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (e.g., a new HHS Office of Nutrition, modeled after the HHS Office of Women's Health or Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy) to coordinate nutrition research needs and opportunities within and outside HHS. |
| T963 |
32443-32662 |
Sentence |
denotes |
An ongoing GAO evaluation of federal policies and activities in relation to diet-related diseases and their economic burdens (319) may provide additional recommendations for increased coordination of nutrition research. |
| T964 |
32663-32942 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could authorize and appropriate funds for NASEM to assess the gaps and options to strengthen and coordinate federal nutrition research to address escalating diet-related health burdens and related economic, equity, national security, and sustainability challenges (320). |
| T965 |
32943-33107 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could appoint a global health coordinator to lead a new interagency council that reaffirms domestic and global health as a core national security interest. |
| T966 |
33108-33274 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The coordinator and council would be charged with developing strategic plans to detect and prevent acute and chronic health threats, such as new infectious pandemics. |
| T967 |
33275-33501 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such a focus should incorporate the critical role of food and nutrition in population health and resilience, including against infectious diseases, and appropriate and coordinate the necessary activities for relevant research. |
| T968 |
33503-33574 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Identified NIH strategies for strengthening national nutrition research |
| T969 |
33575-33749 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As the nation's largest funder of research, NIH is one essential (although not exclusive) home for increased authority, coordination, and funding for nutrition science (110). |
| T970 |
33750-34029 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Any new NIH strategy must leverage and amplify, not replace or compete with, existing extramural and intramural nutrition research efforts across the 27 current NIH institutes, centers, or offices or with existing nutrition research across other federal departments and agencies. |
| T971 |
34030-34101 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Key identified strategies are summarized in Table 4 and reviewed below. |
| T972 |
34103-34138 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New National Institute of Nutrition |
| T973 |
34139-34298 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new NIH National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) would be additive to the 27 current institutes and centers leading research within NIH (Supplemental Figure 8). |
| T974 |
34299-34558 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would be a crucial new asset for NIH to accomplish its mission “to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability” (321). |
| T975 |
34559-34752 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would be tasked with leading innovative, cross-cutting, and foundational research on nutrition and health, including intramural and extramural programs and training and outreach activities. |
| T976 |
34753-34942 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Under the leadership of the NIN Director, NIN would help guide strategic planning, coordination, and review of nutrition research across NIH and with other federal departments and agencies. |
| T977 |
34943-35094 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This would increase harmonization, collaboration, and leveraging of all nutrition-related research programs across NIH institutes, centers and offices. |
| T978 |
35095-35346 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN priority areas and funding should be coordinated with, additive to, and synergistic with existing NIH nutrition research efforts, such as within NIDDK, NHLBI, and NCI, among others, as well as with USDA, CDC, FDA, DoD, VHA, and NASA, among others. |
| T979 |
35347-35559 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Rather than “silo-ing” nutrition research, NIN would help craft strategies and focus areas that span across, support, and/or are not covered by specific interest areas of other federal nutrition research efforts. |
| T980 |
35560-35794 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new NIH National Advisory Council on Nutrition Research—comprising research experts, health professionals, and community members—would advise the HHS Secretary, NIH Director, and NIN Director on matters related to the NIN's mission. |
| T981 |
35795-35897 |
Sentence |
denotes |
TABLE 4 Key strategies within the NIH for strengthening and accelerating national nutrition research1 |
| T982 |
35898-35959 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Option Description Advantages Disadvantages Paths forward |
| T983 |
35960-36117 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)2 Leads research, coordination, training, outreach on foundational and cross-cutting topics in nutrition and health |
| T984 |
36118-36211 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Additive focus areas and funding to existing NIH and other federal nutrition research efforts |
| T985 |
36212-36315 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Harmonizes and leverages other nutrition and related research at NIH and other agencies and departments |
| T986 |
36316-36476 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Strong partner to inform, collaborate on, and help address joint research needs of other departments and agencies, e.g., USDA, FDA, CDC, DoD, VA, USAID, and CMS |
| T987 |
36477-36562 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Promotes and supports training of a diverse 21st century nutrition research workforce |
| T988 |
36563-36687 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Guides and supports training of health care professionals for clinical care and basic and translational science in nutrition |
| T989 |
36688-36762 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Translates and disseminates sound nutrition science findings to the public |
| T990 |
36763-36880 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Fosters innovative external collaborations and partnerships Strong leadership, robust infrastructure, and investment |
| T991 |
36881-36968 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can better address nutrition science that is cross-cutting rather than disease specific |
| T992 |
36969-37047 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Includes extramural and intramural research, training, and outreach activities |
| T993 |
37048-37226 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A long-term structure, leading to unanticipated positive returns, outlasting shorter-term options, and evolving appropriately with changing science and needs of the US population |
| T994 |
37227-37312 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Meaningful external advisory mechanism to solicit diverse relevant insights and input |
| T995 |
37313-37514 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Strong return on investment, in line with or exceeding other NIH research investments Requires new, additive appropriations to prevent reductions in any ongoing NIH or other federal nutrition research |
| T996 |
37515-37560 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Could increase silo-ing of nutrition research |
| T997 |
37561-37662 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Would need to navigate potentially entrenched cultures and perspectives around NIN nutrition research |
| T998 |
37663-37878 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Without new appropriations, could increase competition for resources Congress establishes a new NIN by statute, with dedicated appropriations and updating the current cap on the number of NIH institutes and centers |
| T999 |
37879-38024 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congressional inquiry and/or appropriations could explore the current status of federal nutrition research and potential options including an NIN |
| T1000 |
38025-38235 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New NIH Office for Nutrition Research Restores the NIDDK Office of Nutrition Research back into the NIH Office of the Director (within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives) |
| T1001 |
38236-38391 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after the NIH Office of Disease Prevention (ODP), Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), or Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) |
| T1002 |
38392-38649 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Would lead efforts to build and coordinate new collaborative relationships and synergies within NIH, with other federal agencies and departments, and with external stakeholders including public-private partnerships to drive nutrition research and innovation |
| T1003 |
38650-38710 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Plan and coordinate trans-NIH nutrition research initiatives |
| T1004 |
38711-38914 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Lead cooperative efforts to identify and stimulate priority areas of science, provide guidance on rigorous methodology, offer trainings, and increase the impact, visibility, and dissemination of findings |
| T1005 |
38915-39057 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Director of the NIH Office of Nutrition Research would also serve as the Associate Director of Nutrition Research Legislation is not required |
| T1006 |
39058-39164 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Elevates the leadership, staffing, resources, and capacities of this important area within and outside NIH |
| T1007 |
39165-39311 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Reestablishes close communication and coordination with the NIH Director and the other divisions and offices within the NIH Office of the Director |
| T1008 |
39312-39389 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Increases capacity and expertise for dissemination of sound nutrition science |
| T1009 |
39390-39436 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can engage strong external advisory mechanisms |
| T1010 |
39437-39492 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Some dedicated funding to stimulate research across NIH |
| T1011 |
39493-39533 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Not viewed as serving only one institute |
| T1012 |
39534-39906 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Ability to transition to an NIH center and/or institute over time Size and resources of such an office remain relatively limited for substantially needed strategic planning, cross-governmental collaboration, public communication, assistance with the DGAs, DRIs, and national monitoring and surveillance, food and nutrition regulatory activities, and external partnerships |
| T1013 |
39907-39992 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Insufficient independent funding to stimulate major extramural or intramural research |
| T1014 |
39993-40104 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Inadequate authority and resources to support new national training of scientists and health care professionals |
| T1015 |
40105-40284 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Budgets, staff sizes, and influence can vary widely between offices and fluctuate over time NIH Director has discretion to restore this office into the NIH Office of the Director |
| T1016 |
40285-40407 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress can authorize (ideally with new appropriations) the creation of this office within the NIH Office of the Director |
| T1017 |
40408-40565 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New Trans-NIH Initiative(s) in Nutrition Research An initiative across multiple NIH institutes and centers around a specific focused priority research topic |
| T1018 |
40566-40692 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Modeled after several examples such as the BRAIN Initiative, “All of Us” Research Program, or the NIH Human Microbiome Project |
| T1019 |
40693-40772 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can be supported by dedicated staff within NIH and other federal working groups |
| T1020 |
40773-40874 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Dedicated funding to support intramural and extramural research, training, and technology development |
| T1021 |
40875-40963 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can help create new or enhanced public–private partnerships Legislation is not required |
| T1022 |
40964-41002 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Helps galvanize NIH around a key topic |
| T1023 |
41003-41188 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Often preceded by a comprehensive and separately useful review of relevant leadership, staffing, funding, external advisory mechanisms, and collaborative approaches available across NIH |
| T1024 |
41189-41291 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Brings new strategic planning, workgroups, funding opportunities, training, and technology development |
| T1025 |
41292-41454 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Valuable when combined with other NIH options, above Only covers one focused topic, while needs and opportunities across nutrition research are broad and complex |
| T1026 |
41455-41581 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Unlikely to provide the sustained leadership, coordination, and resources to grasp the critical science gaps and opportunities |
| T1027 |
41582-41714 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Generally time-limited and not sustained Can be established by the NIH Office of the Director with support from the NIH Common Fund |
| T1028 |
41715-41783 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Can be established by Congressional authorization and appropriations |
| T1029 |
41784-41877 |
Sentence |
denotes |
1 These strategies include key organizational structures successfully used within NIH (322). |
| T1030 |
41878-42038 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Importantly, these different options are not mutually exclusive, but can be implemented in combination to create synergies and leverage complementary strengths. |
| T1031 |
42039-42239 |
Sentence |
denotes |
CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; DGAs, Dietary Guidelines for Americans; DoD, Department of Defense; USAID, US Agency for International Development; VA, Department of Veterans Affairs. |
| T1032 |
42240-42763 |
Sentence |
denotes |
2 A new NIH National Center for Nutrition Research (NCNR) could also be proposed, broadly similar to the proposed NIN but on a smaller scale—for example, modeled after the path of the Office of Research on Minority Health (ORMH) within the NIH Office of the Director (Public Law 103–43) that led to the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) (Public Law 106–525) that led to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) (Public Law 111–148) (see Supplemental Text 3). |
| T1033 |
42764-43046 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would expand the knowledge base of research on diet-related illnesses and their intersections with other fields through strategic planning, coordination, and evaluation of NIH nutrition research and through conduct and support of research in nutrition science and related areas. |
| T1034 |
43047-43310 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Relevant cross-cutting areas of focus could include many priority areas from genetic, molecular, and biological science to clinical, behavioral, and translational research, as well as research on health systems, workforce development, and health equity (Table 2). |
| T1035 |
43311-43574 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN's efforts would support, expand, and amplify key science relevant to other NIH institutes, centers, and offices, such as on nutrition and diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, brain health, minority health and disparities, child health, and more. |
| T1036 |
43575-43766 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Within NIH, NIN would represent a natural authority and partner to support and coordinate cross-cutting intramural research that complements existing nutrition research portfolios across NIH. |
| T1037 |
43767-43976 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would also promote and support the training of a diverse 21st century nutrition science workforce, including in cross-disciplinary priority areas like quantitative methods, personalization, and technology. |
| T1038 |
43977-44238 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Given NIH's roles in supporting training of health care professionals, NIN would also guide and support innovative programs to build a cadre of well-trained health professionals for both clinical care and basic and translational science in nutrition (269, 323). |
| T1039 |
44239-44520 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would provide required leadership, staff, expertise, and resources to build meaningful partnerships on nutrition-related activities and research priorities of other federal departments and agencies, in particular USDA as well as FDA, CDC, DoD, VA, USAID, and CMS, among others. |
| T1040 |
44521-44707 |
Sentence |
denotes |
For example, this role could include development of joint requests with USDA for applications investigating the interlinkages between food, nutrition, health, and agricultural practices. |
| T1041 |
44708-44858 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would support the efforts of HHS ODPHP in the USDA–HHS partnership to review evidence and, importantly, address new scientific needs for the DGAs. |
| T1042 |
44859-45228 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would similarly support collaborative new science to inform the DRIs, FDA food safety and regulatory activities, USDA nutrition assistance programs, CDC surveillance and public health activities, USAID priorities, and DoD and VA research needs for US active-duty forces (including enhanced human performance and military readiness), military families, and veterans. |
| T1043 |
45229-45401 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would inform and support CMS and CMMI efforts, such as “Food is Medicine” interventions to reduce diet-related illness and associated health care costs (268, 324, 325). |
| T1044 |
45402-45571 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such joint initiatives will have the greatest impact if nutrition research at these other departments and agencies were simultaneously strengthened with new investments. |
| T1045 |
45572-45774 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would also lead and have the required staff capacity to engage meaningfully in public–private partnerships and with nonprofit organizations and international entities such as the WHO and World Bank. |
| T1046 |
45776-45786 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T1047 |
45787-45945 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would add strong authority, infrastructure, investment, and external advisory mechanisms for nutrition research to the nation's largest funder of science. |
| T1048 |
45946-46049 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would require a Federal Advisory Committee (Council) and would have a budget and funding authority. |
| T1049 |
46050-46262 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN would allow NIH to better address nutrition science that is cross-cutting rather than disease-specific, both across institutes, centers, and offices within NIH and with other federal departments and agencies. |
| T1050 |
46263-46415 |
Sentence |
denotes |
For example, the NIN would be instrumental in implementing and achieving the goals of the new 2020–2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research (129). |
| T1051 |
46416-46787 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As a long-term structure, NIN's activities and benefits would provide both expected and unexpected returns over many decades, outlasting shorter-term options such as cross-agency initiatives and changing priorities of individual administrations, and evolving appropriately with changes in science, food systems, nutritional needs, and disease conditions of the US public. |
| T1052 |
46788-47062 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new institute could help maintain the strength of NIH focus on laboratory and clinical research in nutrition while, at the same time, facilitating expansion to research efforts to other translational priorities across NIH and across other federal departments and agencies. |
| T1053 |
47063-47213 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As has been seen with NIH research overall, NIN's coordinated leadership, structure, and capacity would likely provide a strong ROI to the US economy. |
| T1054 |
47214-47407 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The combination of NIN plus a new cross-governmental approach (Table 3) would provide a powerful strategy to address the scope and scale of the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation. |
| T1055 |
47409-47422 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T1056 |
47423-47689 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The addition of a new institute would require legislative action to increase the current limit of 27 NIH institutes and centers (Public Law 109–482) and provide additive new appropriations to prevent reductions in any ongoing NIH or other federal nutrition research. |
| T1057 |
47690-47910 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIN could increase silo-ing of nutrition research or divestment in nutrition research from other parts of NIH, which has historically been and should remain a component of almost all NIH institutes, offices, and centers. |
| T1058 |
47911-48111 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Even with a remit to coordinate and complement existing efforts, a new institute would need to navigate potentially entrenched cultures and perspectives around the “home” of certain areas of research. |
| T1059 |
48112-48267 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congressional appropriations for expanded nutrition research funding within and outside NIH would be needed to prevent increased competition for resources. |
| T1060 |
48269-48281 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T1061 |
48282-48469 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress can authorize the establishment of NIN, updating the cap (Public Law 109–482) on the total number of NIH institutes and centers and providing new, additive appropriations to NIH. |
| T1062 |
48470-48722 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As an intermediary step, Congress could submit an inquiry to appropriate federal departments and agencies, host hearings, as well as appropriate funds, to explore the current status of federal nutrition research and potential options including the NIN. |
| T1063 |
48724-48766 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New National Center for Nutrition Research |
| T1064 |
48767-49042 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As a smaller model than a new institute, a new NIH National Center for Nutrition Research (NCNR) could be created, representing a 28th institute or center at NIH that would be broadly similar to a new NIN, although with less stature, staff, and funding (Supplemental Text 3). |
| T1065 |
49043-49128 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NCNR could aim to accomplish many of the same goals as an NIN, on a lesser scale. |
| T1066 |
49129-49235 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages, disadvantages, and the path forward for NCNR are likewise similar, on a reduced scale, to NIN. |
| T1067 |
49236-49336 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Long term, the NCNR could further evolve into an institute, as has happened to other centers at NIH. |
| T1068 |
49337-49557 |
Sentence |
denotes |
However, if a research area is of sufficient national priority that it may transition into an institute within a decade or less, then starting as a center can be inefficient, compared with directly creating an institute. |
| T1069 |
49558-49807 |
Sentence |
denotes |
For example, both the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) were founded as centers but transitioned into institutes within ≤10 y (Public Laws 111–148, 99–158, 103–43). |
| T1070 |
49809-49858 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New NIH ONR within the NIH Office of the Director |
| T1071 |
49859-50076 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This option would return ONR to the NIH Office of the Director (Supplemental Figure 9) (326), the central entity for setting NIH policy and planning and for managing and coordinating NIH programs and activities (327). |
| T1072 |
50077-50224 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Multiple offices and divisions within the NIH Office of the Director function together to identify opportunities and needs across the agency (328). |
| T1073 |
50225-50362 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH ONR can be modeled after other Congressionally mandated offices within the NIH Office of the Director (see “Path forward” below). |
| T1074 |
50363-50547 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Each of these lead and coordinate trans-NIH efforts, guided by an Office director, dedicated expert staff (ranging from 15 to 30 full-time employees), and specific budgetary resources. |
| T1075 |
50548-50771 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Like the NIH Office of Disease Prevention Director who also serves as the Associate Director for Prevention (Public Law 99–158), the Director of the NIH ONR would also serve as the Associate Director for Nutrition Research. |
| T1076 |
50772-51046 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH ONR would lead efforts to build and coordinate new collaborative relationships and synergies within the NIH, with other federal departments and agencies, and with external stakeholders including public–private partnerships to drive nutrition research and innovation. |
| T1077 |
51047-51269 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH ONR would lead cooperative efforts to identify and stimulate priority areas of science, provide guidance on rigorous methodology, offer trainings, and increase the impact, visibility, and dissemination of findings. |
| T1078 |
51270-51593 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The new office would plan and coordinate relevant trans-NIH initiatives (see below), such as supported by the NIH Common Fund, a “venture” fund within the NIH Office of the Director, which aims to propel high-risk, high-reward research to speed scientific discovery and translation to improve health at a faster pace (329). |
| T1079 |
51594-51726 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The new office would develop approaches and resources to support analyses and reporting of nutrition research portfolios across NIH. |
| T1080 |
51728-51738 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T1081 |
51739-51905 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Restoring the ONR into the NIH Office of the Director would elevate the leadership, staffing, resources, and capacities of this important area within and outside NIH. |
| T1082 |
51906-52137 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This structure would reestablish close communication and coordination with the NIH Director, other divisions and offices within the NIH Office of the Director, and the nutrition activities across all the NIH institutes and centers. |
| T1083 |
52138-52308 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This is particularly important for identification and prioritization of concrete, timely research focus areas, given the breadth of areas and topics touched by nutrition. |
| T1084 |
52309-52588 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This office would have some dedicated funds to help stimulate priority research across NIH and encourage NIH institutes, centers, and other offices to direct or pool their funds toward common priority areas and would not be dependent on or viewed as serving any single institute. |
| T1085 |
52589-52763 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This office could help stimulate new, flexible appropriations for the NIH Office of the Director to focus broadly on nutrition priority areas, outside the Common Fund per se. |
| T1086 |
52764-53064 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition to research strategy and harmonization, the new office director and staff (including communications specialists, present in other similar NIH Office of the Director Offices) would increase capacity and expertise for dissemination of nutrition science to the public and other stakeholders. |
| T1087 |
53065-53283 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This office could engage strong external advisory mechanisms, strengthening input from other federal departments and agencies, academic institutions, advocacy groups, state and local governments, and community members. |
| T1088 |
53284-53594 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Based on Congressional prioritization of new national research areas, such an office can transition into a center (e.g., National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; Public Laws 103–42, 105–277, 113–235) or an institute (e.g., NINR, Public Law 103–43; NIMHD, Public Laws 103–43, 106–525, 111–148). |
| T1089 |
53596-53609 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T1090 |
53610-54073 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The size and resources of such an office would remain limited to coordinating and developing nutrition strategy across all NIH institutes, centers, and offices, inform and collaborate with other federal departments and agencies engaged in nutrition-relevant research and programming, assist with communication to the public, work with ODPHP in the USDA–HHS partnership to develop the DGAs, and meaningfully engage in public–private or other external partnerships. |
| T1091 |
54074-54194 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such an office does not generally have sufficient independent funding to promote major extramural or intramural science. |
| T1092 |
54195-54348 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such an office does not have sufficient authority or resources to support national training of new scientists and health care professionals in nutrition. |
| T1093 |
54349-54474 |
Sentence |
denotes |
An office's budget, staff size, and influence can vary widely across offices and over time depending on other NIH priorities. |
| T1094 |
54476-54488 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T1095 |
54489-54580 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH Director has discretion to restore this office into the NIH Office of the Director. |
| T1096 |
54581-55064 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress can also pass legislation to create a new Office of Nutrition Research within the NIH Office of the Director, similar to other Congressionally mandated offices such as the NIH Office of AIDS Research (Public Law 103–43), Office of Research on Women's Health (Public Law 103–340), Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (330) (Public Law 103–43), Office of Disease Prevention (331) (Public Law 99–158), and Office of Dietary Supplements (332) (Public Law 103–417). |
| T1097 |
55066-55115 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New trans-NIH initiative(s) in nutrition research |
| T1098 |
55116-55227 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Trans-NIH initiatives are efforts to promote collaborative research across NIH in a particular area of science. |
| T1099 |
55228-55332 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These initiatives can originate from the NIH Director; NIH institutes, centers, or offices; or Congress. |
| T1100 |
55333-55438 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Some of these initiatives engage with external stakeholders such as businesses and nonprofit foundations. |
| T1101 |
55439-55518 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The funding, leadership, and structures for trans-NIH initiatives tend to vary. |
| T1102 |
55519-55822 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Generally, trans-NIH programs utilize the same mechanisms of grant funding that NIH currently offers: research grants (R series), career development awards (K series), research training and fellowships (T & F series), program project/center grants (P series), and resource grants (various series) (333). |
| T1103 |
55823-56537 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIH currently supports a variety of broad-reaching programs that are trans-NIH in nature; examples include Biomedical Information Science and Technology Institute (BISTI), NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research, Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements, New and Early Stage Investigators Policies, Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Common Fund, NIH Basic Behavioral and Social Science Research Opportunity Network (OppNet), Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, Stem Cell Information (PECASE), and the Trans-NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) program (333). |
| T1104 |
56538-56656 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH Common Fund has emerged as one approach to support trans-NIH programs and uses the same mechanisms of support. |
| T1105 |
56657-56878 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH Common Fund is a specific component of the NIH budget and is managed by the Office of Strategic Coordination/Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Coordination/Office of the NIH Director (329). |
| T1106 |
56879-57167 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Common Fund programs are short-term (usually ∼5 y), goal-driven strategic investments that are “intended to change paradigms, develop innovative tools and technologies, and/or provide fundamental foundations for research that can be used by the broad biomedical research community” (329). |
| T1107 |
57168-57312 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Then, an NIH institute, center, or office or multiple institutes, centers, and offices must continue the support of these time-limited programs. |
| T1108 |
57313-57446 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As one example, the NIH Human Microbiome Project was a trans-NIH initiative supported by the NIH Common Fund from 2007 to 2016 (334). |
| T1109 |
57447-57502 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This project aimed to expand science on the microbiome. |
| T1110 |
57503-57694 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Initially funded as an initiative of the NIH Roadmap for Biomedical Research, the NIH Human Microbiome Project was originally established as a 5-y project with a budget of $150 million (335). |
| T1111 |
57695-57846 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The project began with a “jumpstart” phase in 2007 and a set of grants was funded in mid-2009 and additional demonstration project grants were awarded. |
| T1112 |
57847-58088 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These activities were supported by a Data Analysis and Coordination Center and a set of additional grants was awarded for developing new technologies, new software tools, and studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of this work. |
| T1113 |
58089-58153 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The grantees worked together in a highly cooperative consortium. |
| T1114 |
58154-58343 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Ultimately, this 10-y $215 million project spanned >20 of the NIH institutes, centers, and offices and resulted in a >40-fold increase in nonproject investment in microbiome research (336). |
| T1115 |
58344-58464 |
Sentence |
denotes |
That is, individual or multiple institutes, centers, and offices used program announcements or request for applications. |
| T1116 |
58465-58652 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Some of these funding mechanisms were supported by the Common Fund and others were additional commitments by the participating NIH institutes, centers, and offices from their own budgets. |
| T1117 |
58653-58904 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Trans-NIH Microbiome Working Group established in 2012 provided a forum for coordinating NIH extramural research activities related to the human microbiome and continues to coordinate this work after the NIH Human Microbiome Project was completed. |
| T1118 |
58905-59081 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Notably, the NIH Human Microbiome Project identified several potential priority areas around food and the microbiome, but these topics have not yet been systematically pursued. |
| T1119 |
59082-59377 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) initiative is an example of a trans-NIH initiative (337), supported by staff within NIH and across federal working groups and providing funding for intramural and extramural research, training, and technology development. |
| T1120 |
59378-59592 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Between 2013 and 2019, this initiative supported >700 research projects totaling ∼$1.3 billion through support across the NIH, including appropriations through the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114–255) (337). |
| T1121 |
59593-59696 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The BRAIN initiative is managed by 10 NIH institutes and centers, with coordination at multiple levels. |
| T1122 |
59697-59932 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Extramural program staff and institute and center directors meet regularly to integrate strategic planning, management, and a BRAIN Multi-Council Working Group and Neuroethics Working Group provide further input on a variety of issues. |
| T1123 |
59933-60122 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Another trans-NIH example is the All of US Research Program (Public Law 115–31), directly supported through annual appropriations from Congress ($1.5 billion over 10 y) (Public Law 115–31). |
| T1124 |
60123-60303 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This initiative, supported and overseen by NIH, arose from recommendations by the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director (338). |
| T1125 |
60304-60492 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The program staff are based in the NIH Office of the Director, with a Trans-NIH Liaisons Coordinating Team made up of scientific leaders from across NIH and has an external advisory panel. |
| T1126 |
60493-60754 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A potential trans-NIH program in Precision Nutrition is being considered as an NIH Common Fund program for fiscal year 2021 (131, 339), and the NIH Director included Precision Nutrition in the NIH's congressional budget justification for fiscal year 2021 (131). |
| T1127 |
60755-60837 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A new Program Director in the NIDDK ONR was hired in 2020 to lead this initiative. |
| T1128 |
60839-60849 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Advantages |
| T1129 |
60850-60878 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Legislation is not required. |
| T1130 |
60879-61029 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A trans-NIH initiative can help galvanize NIH to develop a coordinated approach to a specific topic on nutrition and human health (e.g., see Table 2). |
| T1131 |
61030-61231 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such an effort would generally be preceded by a careful—and separately useful—review of relevant NIH leadership, staffing, funding, external advisory mechanisms, and collaborative approaches available. |
| T1132 |
61232-61362 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A trans-NIH initiative brings new strategic planning, working groups, funding opportunities, training, and technology development. |
| T1133 |
61363-61491 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A trans-NIH initiative is complementary to other NIH and cross-governmental strategies to strengthen federal nutrition research. |
| T1134 |
61492-61573 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such initiatives can also help build new or enhanced public–private partnerships. |
| T1135 |
61575-61588 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Disadvantages |
| T1136 |
61589-61766 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The needs and opportunities across nutrition research are broad and complex, and a new trans-NIH initiative would cover 1 focused topic, such as, if funded, precision nutrition. |
| T1137 |
61767-62047 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Addressing the science gaps and opportunities for nutrition—a leading cause of disease in the US—will require greater and more sustained authority, coordination, resources, and collaboration than provided by a single initiative, especially one only limited to precision nutrition. |
| T1138 |
62048-62190 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Trans-NIH initiatives are generally time-limited, difficult to sustain, and not easily communicated to a broad range of external stakeholders. |
| T1139 |
62191-62382 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The long-term success of such initiatives can be dependent on a single leading NIH institute, center, and/or office to commit to carry that area of work forward after the initial investments. |
| T1140 |
62384-62396 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Path forward |
| T1141 |
62397-62606 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The NIH Director could propose new trans-NIH budget initiatives for Congress to review; as noted earlier, Precision Nutrition is proposed in NIH's congressional budget justification for fiscal year 2021 (131). |
| T1142 |
62607-62796 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Congress could authorize and appropriate funds for this proposed initiative or put forth support for another or additional trans-NIH initiative(s) focused on ≥1 areas of nutrition research. |
| T1143 |
62797-62893 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIH institutes, centers, and offices can develop and collectively support trans-NIH initiatives. |
| T1144 |
62894-63015 |
Sentence |
denotes |
External support through the private and nongovernment sectors can also be mobilized through public–private partnerships. |
| T1145 |
63017-63089 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Identified USDA strategies for strengthening national nutrition research |
| T1146 |
63090-63219 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition to NIH, the USDA is an important home for increased authority, coordination, and funding for nutrition science (110). |
| T1147 |
63220-63430 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As for NIH options, any new USDA strategy must leverage and strengthen, not supplant, existing extramural and intramural nutrition research efforts across USDA as well as other federal departments and agencies. |
| T1148 |
63431-63477 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Key identified strategies are discussed below. |
| T1149 |
63478-63547 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Each was considered as complementary, rather than mutually exclusive. |
| T1150 |
63548-63708 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Comparative advantages and disadvantages, executive and legislative considerations, and paths forward for these options should be the subject of future reports. |
| T1151 |
63710-63763 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Increased investment in nutrition research across REE |
| T1152 |
63764-64063 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Declining appropriations for nutrition-relevant research and statistics at USDA, compounded by declining public investment in agrifood research and development, is limiting the nation's ability to fully understand and leverage the critical nexus between agriculture, food, and health (12, 146, 147). |
| T1153 |
64064-64250 |
Sentence |
denotes |
An emphasis on agricultural production research has created pressure on the USDA nutrition portfolio to respond to these growing research needs and opportunities with its limited budget. |
| T1154 |
64251-64495 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Strong Congressional appropriations for nutrition research across REE is critical to reestablish the US as the global leader in food and agricultural science and technology, which creates healthy and productive communities, families, and youth. |
| T1155 |
64496-64829 |
Sentence |
denotes |
A renewed commitment to advancing and integrating nutrition into the overall crop, livestock, food manufacturing, food safety, natural resources, and climate research agendas has tremendous potential to improve economic growth, national security, competitiveness, sustainability, climate resilience, food security, and public health. |
| T1156 |
64830-65003 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such investment would also maximize cross-governmental coordination and public–private partnerships with the greatest potential to accelerate progress in this complex nexus. |
| T1157 |
65004-65190 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The USDA also implements major nutrition programs and thus must rely upon an integrated focus that connects nutrition research to policy and practice to improve the health of the public. |
| T1158 |
65191-65356 |
Sentence |
denotes |
To accomplish this integrated approach, each of the science mission areas at ARS, ERS, and NIFA must be at full capacity including sufficient staffing and resources. |
| T1159 |
65357-65702 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Nutrition research investment in ARS is essential for food-composition research and development, dietary surveys and food databases instrumental to national surveillance and scientific discovery, and the Human Nutrition Research Center network that pursues long-term, translation research priorities impractical to assess in short-term programs. |
| T1160 |
65703-65915 |
Sentence |
denotes |
NIFA complements ARS with competitive extramural funding vital to strengthening our nation's capacity to address opportunities related to diet, health, food safety, food security, and food science and technology. |
| T1161 |
65916-66087 |
Sentence |
denotes |
In addition, ERS provides invaluable food supply data, federal nutrition assistance program evaluations, and surveys on food insecurity and food acquisition and purchases. |
| T1162 |
66089-66152 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Expanded USDA research to improve public guidance and education |
| T1163 |
66153-66495 |
Sentence |
denotes |
As detailed in earlier sections, the USDA CNPP plays a major role in the development of the DGAs, with far-reaching implications for many federal and nonfederal policies and programs such as the suite of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs, FDA regulatory policies, and clinical guidance for individuals from allied health professionals. |
| T1164 |
66496-66634 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Yet, the CNPP 2020 budget is only $6.6 million for nutrition evidence reviews, committee support, and DGA-related educational development. |
| T1165 |
66635-66922 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Further work is needed to provide consistent funding and staff to maintain and protect the scientific integrity for nutrition evidence systematic reviews; fundamental nutrition research, monitoring, and surveillance processes; and to develop, translate, and disseminate dietary guidance. |
| T1166 |
66923-67025 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Other USDA investments in public guidance include SNAP-Ed, with $441 million in funding in 2020 (340). |
| T1167 |
67026-67447 |
Sentence |
denotes |
The benefits of this major effort could be further amplified by the creation of a robust SNAP-Ed infrastructure [e.g., similar to the USDA NIFA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) or SNAP Employment and Training] to support evaluation of novel educational interventions, including policy and systems changes, online purchasing strategies, and other environmental supports, using SNAP pilot authority (13). |
| T1168 |
67448-67841 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Similarly, expanded research on WIC Nutrition Education should address approaches to further strengthen this valuable program, such as new strategies for education on breastfeeding practices, food and beverage choices, sleep, and screen time, as well as novel information systems and technology including online, mobile, and telehealth options to deploy this guidance to WIC participants (13). |
| T1169 |
67842-68523 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Greater research on the USDA's State Nutrition Action Committee (SNAC) program—which helps states coordinate USDA food-assistance programs, Affordable Care Act community benefits, wellness, and other food and nutrition programs—and the USDA Farm to School Grant Program—which funds school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations to increase local foods served through child nutrition programs, teach children about food and agriculture through garden and classroom education, and develop schools’ and farmers’ capacities to participate in farm to school—would amplify benefits of these investments (13). |
| T1170 |
68525-68605 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Innovative USDA research to strengthen benefits of nutrition assistance programs |
| T1171 |
68606-68834 |
Sentence |
denotes |
New research efforts supported by USDA, as well as NIH, are critical to develop the evidence base and collaborations to further augment the positive impacts of large federal investments in nutrition assistance (∼$100 billion/y). |
| T1172 |
68835-69032 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Such research must, for example, delineate and address the tremendous increases in food insecurity, associated economic disruptions, and nutrition-related health disparities stemming from COVID-19. |
| T1173 |
69033-69195 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Now is the time to expand our understanding of the best approaches to increase the public health impacts of our suite of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs. |
| T1174 |
69196-69473 |
Sentence |
denotes |
This approach can include, for instance, new USDA-supported pilots and waivers to evaluate innovations that better support healthier eating in SNAP (e.g., healthy retail approaches, healthy food incentives combined with disincentives, online purchasing technologies) (13, 341). |
| T1175 |
69474-69717 |
Sentence |
denotes |
Further critical research needs include how USDA's nutrition assistance programs can be better integrated and coordinated with other federal and state programs, in particular Medicaid and Medicare, to improve diet-related health outcomes (13). |
| T1176 |
69718-69922 |
Sentence |
denotes |
These translational research investments will help address the varying geographic, contextual, and cultural needs of Americans and ensure the most effective outcomes from these essential federal programs. |
