51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan — Fiscal Years 2016–2020

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About the Strategic Plan

51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan cover page

In order to advance its mission and fulfill a request from Congress, 51ÊÓƵ developed the 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2016–2020: Turning Discovery Into Health. This plan outlines a vision for biomedical research to capitalize on new opportunities for scientific exploration and address new challenges for human health. Developed with input from hundreds of stakeholders and scientific advisers, and in collaboration with leadership and staff of 51ÊÓƵ’s Institutes, Centers, and Offices, the plan is designed to complement the , which are aligned with their congressionally mandated missions.

Planning

In 2015, 51ÊÓƵ created a working group to develop a framework outlining the direction of the 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan. This working group, which was composed of representatives from 51ÊÓƵ Institutes, Centers, and Offices within the Office of the Director, was led by 51ÊÓƵ Principal Deputy Director Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D. To gather feedback from the community on the direction of the plan, the working group coordinated numerous outreach activities:

  • were held in August 2015 and drew nearly 750 participants.
  • solicited over 450 responses. 51ÊÓƵ conducted an analysis of the input on the RFI and published a report.
  • Discussions with more than 20 National Advisory Councils, including the Advisory Committee to the 51ÊÓƵ Director, were held in the fall of 2015.

The framework below, which informed the development of the 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan, identifies areas of opportunity that apply across biomedicine and unifying principles to guide 51ÊÓƵ in supporting the biomedical research enterprise.

Overview

Overview: Mission of 51ÊÓƵ, Unique moment of opportunity in biomedical research, Current 51ÊÓƵ-supported research landscape, Constraints confronting the community in the face of lost purchasing power

Advance Opportunities in Biomedical Research

Advance Opportunities in Biomedical Research

Set Priorities/Enhance Stewardship

Set Priorities and Enhance Stewardship.

Excel as a Federal Agency

Excel as a Federal Science Agency by Managing for Results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was the last time 51ÊÓƵ went through a strategic planning process?

1991-1992.

2. Does this signify a change in 51ÊÓƵ’s direction?

The 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2016–2020 places 51ÊÓƵ’s enduring mission in the context of tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities. Working with our many partners in the public and private sectors, 51ÊÓƵ will use the plan as we strive to turn scientific discoveries into better health, while upholding our responsibility to be wise stewards of the resources provided to us by the American people. The plan is also designed to harmonize decision making across the Agency.

Progress in achieving the goals will reveal where optimal changes can be made in the future or what additional opportunities are emerging.

3. Is this a living document?

Yes, this strategic plan is meant to be a living document that will require refinement throughout its lifecycle.

4. Does this mean you will produce a new strategic plan every five years?

In addition to continual modifications, the strategic plan will be reviewed and updated every 5 years.

5. Why did Congress ask you to do a strategic plan now?

As Congress contemplated increases in 51ÊÓƵ funding, they asked for a clear articulation of 51ÊÓƵ research priorities, how they were chosen, and what processes are in place to ensure sound stewardship of the public's investment in biomedical and behavioral research. Congress included a mandate for 51ÊÓƵ to develop an agency-wide strategic plan in the FY2015 Appropriations Bill (HR 83).

6. Is this the first time Congress has asked 51ÊÓƵ to develop a strategic plan?

Yes.

7. Why hasn’t this been a normal course of operation?

The 51ÊÓƵ, which is composed of has not previously had an agency-wide strategic plan. However, the 51ÊÓƵ Institutes and Centers have , and there also are several strategic plans focused on specific research areas, such as women’s health, obesity, and health disparities.

8. What factors were considered in developing the 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan?

Numerous discussions with 51ÊÓƵ leadership, staff, the Advisory Committee to the Director, 51ÊÓƵ IC Advisory Councils, and external stakeholders were held to determine the key topics to be included and addressed in the 51ÊÓƵ-Wide Strategic Plan. Following consideration of this feedback, the plan was designed to highlight the crosscutting nature of the 51ÊÓƵ Institutes, Centers, and Offices to optimize our processes to enhance our stewardship, and identify major trans-51ÊÓƵ themes.

This page last reviewed on July 30, 2021