Stem Cell Research
The Office of Science Policy Analysis (OSPA) is a key resource for the analysis and development of NIH policies regarding stem cell research. The Office is responsible for the interpretation and implementation of administration policies and Executive Orders relating to stem cell and human embryo research. OSPA advises the NIH, Congress, the scientific community, and the public on current stem cell policies and specific research activities allowable under current policies and regulations. The Office plays an integral role in developing guidelines for research involving human pluripotent cells of all types.
For more information, visit the NIH Stem Cell Task Force Website
Fetal Tissue Research
OSPA is also a key source for policy advice involving Human Fetal Tissue Research and Human Fetal Tissue Transplantation Research. The Office advises the NIH, Congress, the scientific community and the public on NIH policies regarding research involving human fetal tissues.
Genome-Wide Association Studies
The NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease. OSPA is a key resource in the development of GWAS research policy aimed at advancing science for the benefit of the public through a centralized NIH GWAS data repository. Read GWAS policy at NIH.
Nanotechnology
In 2006, in conjunction with the NIH Director, OSPA initiated the Trans-NIH Nanotechnology Task Force (TF) for the purpose of identifying NIH leadership opportunities at the interface between Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine/Nanobiology; and for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the health and safety implications of engineered nanomaterials. Nanotechnology deals with the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of approximately 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. The NIH investment encompasses the application of cross-disciplinary methods from physics, material sciences, and engineering, to shaping revolutionary forms of personalized medicine and the development of novel tools for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The Nano TF tracks the NIH investment in basic and applied nanoscale research, organizes national and international meetings and workshops, develops reports and brochures, presents at congressional hearings and collaborates in interagency activities such as the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology subcommittee of the National Nanotechnology Initiative and in related national and international activities. OSPA serves as the point office for nano policy-related issues, working collaboratively with the NIH Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis on legislative concerns, and with communications on outreach, and participates in Office of Science and Technology Policy’s National Policy Coordinating Group and other venues.
Read more about Nanotechnology at NIH:
 NanoFrontiers in Biomedicine Report (PDF document, 51 pages)
Innovative Medical Research at the Molecular Scale – Brochure for Scientists (PDF document, 12 pages)
New Understanding, New Capabilities and New Approaches for Improving Health - Brochure for the Public (PDF document, 12 pages)
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