Board Meeting Summary: January 15, 2002

Lisa Joseph reported that the current fundraising drives for the Paper Bag Players and the Purim Baskets were moving very slowly and an increase in participation would be very much appreciated and in order.

Gail Sonenshein, PhD., Chairperson of our new Scientific Advisory Board, was then introduced. Jennifer listed her credentials--Professor, Department of Biochemistry; Director, Program in Research on Women's Health; Boston University Medical School, and incidentally, her sister-in-law!

For the next hour or so Dr. Sonenshein delivered a remarkably comprehensive report to the Board of Directors explaining the Scientific Advisory Board's Review process; the grants that were reviewed and evaluated, the method of scoring (based on NIH format) as well as various funding considerations. There were 15 proposals submitted - 6 animal models and 9 other grants. Reviewers "met" via teleconference in two separate groups for the evaluation process. Three reviewers were assigned for each grant - one primary and two secondary. The primary reviewer briefly described the proposed work, and then critiqued it. Secondary reviewers added comments. Suggestions on how grants could be improved were made and the budget was discussed as well in every case. Agreement in general was very good.

The scoring method used was: 1 best to 5 for worst and it was noted that in the past, only grants rated at 1 to 2.2 were deemed fundable. Of the 15 grants, 7 received highly fundable grades and after an intensive Q & A period, and lots of discussion, the Board voted unanimously in all but one instance to follow the recommendation as set out by our SAB.

Before the end of this month, each of the researchers will be contacted with recommendations and suggestions, as well as budgetary restrictions, etc. for their approval as outlined by the SAB. Once our guidelines are met and agreed to, funding will proceed without delay - at which time complete details will be available. If an agreement is reached with all of the research applicants, the Foundation will be funding approximately $480,000 to $500,000 for the initial funding year.

Gail Sonenshein's expertise was very much appreciated. She is a true scientist, professor, and a marvelous teacher, who managed to translate some very complex and difficult science into understandable English!

The June Board meeting date was officially changed to Thursday, June 13th, 2002. The meeting ended at 9:20pm. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Lenore Roseman