2021 Report on Scientific Conferences With Expenses Over $30,000
Section 3074 of 21st Century Cures Act requires the FDA to report on scientific conferences hosted, sponsored, co-sponsored, or attendance at non-Federal Scientific Meetings with FDA expenses in excess of $30,000. The following outlines the total expenses for each scientific meeting together with other pertinent information including how the conference advanced the mission of the agency, a description of the conference activities. Section 3074 requires additional information of compelling circumstances for the costs exceeding $150,000.
2021 Annual Report
1. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 27th Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 02/24/2021
Conference End Date: 02/27/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $91,080
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The Southeast Tobacco Laboratory (STL) under the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) is responsible for developing and validating tobacco testing methods for the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), in order to be used in the regulation of tobacco products. This conference provided essential information about methodologies that can be used in the tobacco area. Attendance at this conference provided an opportunity to hear new methodologies that can be used to support CTP's mission, which includes regulation of harmful or potentially harmful compounds in finished tobacco products. Much of the success of tobacco testing lies in obtaining knowledge that is not readily available elsewhere. Without attending this conference there could have been a delay in the development of new analytical methods for finished tobacco products. This conference also allowed for the opportunity to connect interested and qualified academics in the nicotine and tobacco fields with potential employers. CTP is always looking to fill multiple positions within the Office of Science. So, failure to attend this event would have reduced the Center's outreach to potential candidates and would have decreased the likelihood of attracting qualified individuals from a diverse background. Attending this conference allowed FDA the ability to attract diverse and qualified candidates with a specific background in tobacco and nicotine research.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
With the mission of the society being to “to stimulate the generation and dissemination of new knowledge concerning nicotine in all its manifestations - from molecular to societal.”, the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Conference was designed to focus “on the timely and enduring issues of social justice, health inequality, and importantly, action to correct health disparities of nicotine and tobacco.” SRNT is a mission-oriented, values-driven, nonprofit, member-focused association, and the conference included values, such as: commitment to the public good, accountability to the members and to the public, respect for the worth and dignity of individuals, inclusiveness and social justice, respect for pluralism and diversity, transparency, integrity, and honesty, responsible stewardship of resources, commitment to excellence and to maintaining the public trust, commitment to the promotion of excellence in science, commitment to use of the evidence base in all aspects of public policy, education and information, commitment to personal and professional honor, respect for all persons, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, age or national origin, and commitment to serving the best interest of members and the profession at large.”
2. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 07/18/2021
Conference End Date: 07/21/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $54,055
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
Attendance at this conference training promoted public health by supporting the agency’s mission of helping safe and effective products reach the market as well as helping the public obtain accurate, science-based information to improve Public health. The benefit of attending this conference came from the sessions that discussed emerging food safety issues, innovative solutions to food protection, and other public health topics from world leaders in food safety. The annual meeting of the International Association for Food Protection organization focused on scientific developments in food safety. Food safety is integral to Center of Veterinary Medicine’s (CVM) mission. Attending the conference advanced the mission of the agency as CVM scientists must ensure that antibiotics approved for use in food animal agriculture have no or limited effect on human health. The attendees were able to learn about the latest developments in food microbiology and foodborne disease epidemiology as they relate to antimicrobial resistant foodborne bacteria.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
With a mission statement “to provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply”, the International Association for Food Protection was able to “provide attendees with information on current and emerging food safety issues, the latest science, innovative solutions to new and recurring problems, and the opportunity to network with thousands of food safety professionals from around the globe. This meeting was the leading food safety conference worldwide, and thus, the IAFP Annual Meeting was attended by more than 3,800 of the top industry, academic and governmental food safety professionals from six continents. This event… exhibited the latest in available technologies, leading experts speaking on a variety of timely topics, and had special recognition of outstanding professionals and students for their contributions in the food safety field.” Furthermore, not only did attending this conference provide the attendees with information about the scientific advances, results, and implications of current research and emerging food safety issues to advance understanding and to solve health and medical problems, but it helped maintain awareness of current issues impacting international food safety, strengthening relationships with food safety experts from government, industry and academia.
3. American Society for Microbiology 2021 Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 06/20/2021
Conference End Date: 06/24/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $52,100
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe meeting provided an outstanding venue to learn current developments in multiple tracks of microbiological sciences. It also offered a great opportunity to network with top scientists working in academia, government, and industry from many countries. The knowledge gained will be used in current research program to improve animal food safety and prevent the development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among zoonotic bacteria throughout the food chain. This conference enhanced investigator's scientific skills in the evaluation of the micro biome, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance. It also supported FDA’s mission on food and drug safety by disseminating information on the development of new advances in science surrounding microbes that impact human and veterinary health. Finally, it provided a robust scientific program offering the very best science in the fields of medical and food safety microbiology.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
“World Microbe Forum provided a collaboration between the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), and several other societies. It broke barriers in sharing science and addressing the most pressing challenges facing humankind today. ASM Microbe and FEMS Congress 2021 explored the hottest topics in microbiology, from new infectious pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, antimicrobial resistance and the role of microbes in climate change, to agriculture and food microbiology, and synthetic and applied microbiology. This meeting allowed unparalleled access to the latest innovative research across global perspectives. It also brought active researchers, industry professionals, undergraduate, postgraduate students, educators, and leaders in a digital forum on a global stage. This meeting provided an opportunity to showcase how microbial sciences are essential to the health and wellbeing of humankind. In addition, satellite events and sessions extended the conversation to policy makers and members of the public. With fewer constraints of time and space, it was possible to have more programming in specific areas of microbiology, increasing the opportunity for everyone to find rich content in their sub-field, allowing more high-profile speakers, more opportunities for trainees to present, and more joint sessions covering new and emerging topics.”
4. Drug Information Association 2021 Global Annual
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 06/27/2021
Conference End Date: 07/01/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $46,588
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The Drug Information Association (DIA) annual meeting advanced the mission of the FDA because it brought together patients, industry, regulators, and academia from all points in the product lifecycle from more than 50 countries. This meeting was the intersection of science, healthcare, and regulation, with no boundaries as well as an intersection that provided the catalyst for thoughtful dialogue and debate. This conference enhanced the knowledge and skills related to pharmacoepidemiology as well as risk management in pharmacovigilance review work and VAERS/FAERS. The advancement of the FDA mission came through a global community of life science professionals at all levels and across all disciplines being brough together, all with a common goal of fostering innovation that will lead to the development of safe and effective medical products and therapies to patients.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
Widely attended by professionals in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, the Drug Information Association (DIA) annual meeting was the foremost regulatory scientific professional organized meeting in the country. The DIA conference was all about collaboration (trusted, neutral, knowledge-exchange) that resulted in better regulation and innovation for patients and the global community at large. Their entire focus was on issues that brought together regulators, industry, academia and now patients in a neutral forum (as mentioned before), but the DIA annual meeting was also the largest global interdisciplinary event that brought together 7,000 plus key-thought leaders and innovators from the industry, academia, regulatory and government agencies, health, patient, and philanthropic organizations from around the globe and across all disciplines involved in the discovery, development, and life cycle management of health care products. This year’s event helped attendees in developing a holistic and integrated program for their entire team while increasing one's access to training and expanding in professional opportunities. This meeting included about 300 individual tutorials, workshops, learning sessions, and discussion forums.
5. American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 05/11/2021
Conference End Date: 05/14/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $43,280
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting is the leading American conference focusing solely on gene and cell therapy. It provided an international forum where the latest gene and cell therapy developments were presented and critically discussed. Attendance at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting provided information in the scientific community on therapeutic product as well as technology related with gene therapy products which supports the advancement of the mission of the FDA.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy’s Annual Meeting, celebrating its 24th year in 2021, was the premier event for professionals in gene and cell therapy. The four-day meeting—and one preceding day of Pre-Meeting Workshops—was the best place for people in the field to learn from the latest scientific research, stay up to date on new technologies, and make career-advancing connections with peers. Originally designed as a venue for academic researchers to share their work, the Annual Meeting has grown to serve wide community encompassing clinicians, bio-industry development, regulatory agencies, equipment manufacturers, patient advocates, and more. Learning about the most recent scientific advances is mission critical for the successful creation of an implantable artificial kidney.
6. Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting and ToxExpo
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 03/12/2021
Conference End Date: 03/26/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $38,245
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
Attending the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting and Tox Expo advanced the mission of the FDA because the Society of Toxicology is a professional association that supports science in toxicology, the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem, including the prevention and amelioration of such adverse effects. The conference also provided an opportunity for FDA to keep abreast of the latest technology and scientific research in the field of toxicology to advance women's health and disseminate FDA health and safety information. Also, FDA’s attendance to the meeting afforded the change for attendees to update their knowledge through shared interests in session topics and interact with scientists who performed cutting edge research related to women.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The Society of Toxicology benefits the FDA by allowing scientists to develop ideas for future projects that will be beneficial to FDA, sharing of up to date research and technology methods with others to educate and protect the public health, will allow scientist to keep up to date in the latest advances assessment of toxicities associated with medical devices, new materials, or combination devices to assist in reviews/memos/consults on devices that incorporate these materials or require performance testing in involving toxicological analysis.
7. Food and Drug Law Institute Annual Meeting: Exploring Advanced Topics in Food and Drug Law
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 05/18/2021
Conference End Date: 05/20/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $35,304
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
Participation and attendance by the FDA to the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) Annual Meeting advanced the mission of the FDA because it allowed the FDA to communicate with an array of experts from the federal government, industry, the private bar, non-profits, patient and consumer advocates, and academia over the span of three shortened days to address the latest trends and updates in complex legal, regulatory, compliance, and policy issues currently impacting all facets of FDA-regulated industry.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The (FDLI) Annual Meeting 2021 Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) Conference, which offers analysis on the latest trends and updates in industries regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Speakers addressed the legal, regulatory, policy and compliance issues affecting industries. Topics to note in 2021 included the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, key agency priorities in 2021 and beyond, research and development in biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, and updates in digital health.
8. 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 06/04/2021
Conference End Date: 06/08/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $33,465
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is one of the largest educational and scientific events in the oncology community. Attending the ASCO advanced the mission of the FDA because the event provided a venue for physicians and scientists to present research results to a global audience of oncology professionals. Clinical trial results and updates presented at ASCO's Annual Meeting represented the extent of progress made each year in the fight against cancer.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The Annual Meeting brought together 32,000+ oncology professionals from around the world. Educational sessions featured world-renowned faculty discussing state-of-the-art treatment modalities, new therapies, and ongoing controversies in the field. Science sessions presented the latest ground-breaking research in oral and poster format.
9. Association of American Feed Control Officials
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 01/19/2021
Conference End Date: 01/21/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $31,400
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
The Association of American Feed Controls Officials (AAFCO) Annual Meeting advanced the mission of the FDA because it provided a forum for the regulatory agencies, both state and federal, to meet and discuss important areas of concern regarding the regulation of animal foods, and drugs used in these foods. Implementation of the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) required that FDA meet and work collaboratively with other regulatory agencies to ensure public health. FDA attendees also serve as advisors on various AAFCO Committees.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
Members of AAFCO are state animal feed regulatory officials that are responsible for ensuring safe feed in their state under contract and cooperative agreements to perform inspections and feed analysis on behalf of FDA. The AAFCO Feed Administrations Seminar is held yearly and provided a forum for feed safety officials at FDA and the state to meet and discuss critical issues facing the feed regulators, a look towards the new administration, discussions from a range of committees, including the Ingredient Definitions, Pet Food, and Laboratory Services Committees.
10. American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 04/10/2021
Conference End Date: 05/21/2021
Total FDA cost of the conference: $30,595
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
Attendance to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2021 advanced the mission of the FDA because it allowed the opportunity for the FDA to present as a member of the AACR Education Committee. The FDA chaired education activities at the conference. The agencies expertise in cancer research and finding from our laboratories at the FDA was relevant to the gathering of researchers and other leaders around the world.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The AACR Annual Meeting program covered the latest discoveries across the spectrum of cancer research from population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy and highlighted the work of the best minds in research and medicine from institutions all over the world. The Annual Meeting also included a comprehensive educational program comprised of Educational Sessions and Methods Workshops.
11. American Association of Blood Banks Annual Meeting
Applicable Conference Type: Non-FDA Conference Attended by FDA
Conference Location: Virtual
Conference Start Date: 10/03/2020
Conference End Date: 10/05/2020
Total FDA cost of the conference: $30,241
Total number of individuals whose travel expenses were paid by the FDA: N/A
Explanation of how conference advanced the mission of FDA:
It was to the advancement of the FDA that the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) / Office of Biological Products Operations staff participate in this conference, in order to expand their knowledge, gain critical tools within their field of study, and gather the information needed to lead our administration into the future. It was also mission critical that the agency participate in this conference to bring together the latest research and practice-changing resources from experts in roles across the blood and biotherapies community. Lack of FDA participation/attendance would not support the cooperative educational structure established by the organization. This conference facilitated interaction with the world's medical product safety science community and helped the FDA better understand the most current advances in blood utilization and transfusion components and biologics product safety.
General description of the scientific conference activities:
The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Annual Meeting was one of the preeminent events for professionals in the field of transfusion medicine and biotherapies. This year’s AABB meeting presented an unique opportunity for colleagues across the country and throughout the world to connect, share the latest research, and discuss the future of the field. As the challenges of the ongoing pandemic continue, the AABB Annual Meeting brought everyone together to share knowledge and the best practices that will help advance research as well as donor and patient care. Though the 2020 event was held virtually, AABB ensured that this year’s meeting included the same practice-changing information on the field’s hottest topics and the latest scientific research from top experts that are always featured at AABB’s Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting was comprised of a myriad of scientific sessions, dozens of oral abstracts, and more than 300 scientific posters. All of these covered some of the most critical and dynamic topics in the field as well as also included an interactive exhibit hall where industry partners showcased practice-changing advancements, networking spaces for attendees to connect with colleagues near and far, and plenty of opportunities for continuing education credits, professional development and fun.