Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Controversy continues regarding CEIRS investigators and the “moratorium” on H5N1 research (see immediately above meeting with Heidi Avery). I went to NYC to the Marquis Marriott Hotel on 46th and Broadway to address the investigators of the CEIRS (Centers of Excellence on Influenza research and Surveillance). We opened it to the Press and NPR (Nell Greenfield Boyce) and Science and Nature were there. I insisted that my presentation (25 minutes) be fully recorded as with the Qs and As so that there would be no misquotes. I made a firm argument for continuing the moratorium. The usual people opposed it such at Ron Fouchier, Danny Perez, Peter Palese; however they respected my opinion. They still do not “get it’ and think with all the public furor that they can just go on and do these DURC experiment without full public by-in and comment. See my written remarks file for July 31, 2012. Also, I got great kudos from many investigators (see Arturo Casadevall’s e-mail below). Also, great stories in NPR radio the next AM (Aug. 1) and in various blogs and Science, Nature, etc. From: Arturo Casadevall [mailto:arturo.casadevall@einstein.yu.edu] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 1:29 PM To: Fauci, Anthony (NIH/NIAID) [E] Subject: Awesome speech at flu meeting Dear Tony, I feel bad adding one more line to your inbox but I must tell you were terrific today – clear, powerful, articulate, logical. My ‘take’ is that it was a very successful presentation. You are a great scientist and public servant. It is an honor to know you. Arturo Arturo Casadevall MD, PhD Professor and Chair Leo and Julia Forchheimer Chair Department of Microbiology & Immunology Albert Einstein College of Medicine 1300 Morris Park Ave Bronx, New York 10461