Patty Alvarez

The meeting addressed several items under New Business, including the expectation of a replacement US Government policy for Dual Use Research of Concern and scheduling the next meeting for February 6th. The SelectAgent Program Oversight committee received notification that the renewal inspection is scheduled for the week of March 1st, and there were no reportable incidents for the current month. The committee reviewed and approved one new IBC submission concerning a Phase 1b/2 Study involving lentiviral transduced cells, and granted RMSA status to a second submission requiring several modifications, including abstract rewrites, personnel additions, and clarification of classifications related to lentiviral vectors and AAV use in human cells. Several modification discussions were held, resulting in approval for one modification involving lentiviral vectors in murine cells and RMSA status for another adding new AAV constructs to a previously approved protocol. Additionally, several protocols underwent periodic reviews where no substantive changes were noted.

This briefing discusses the critical importance of effective emergency communication systems for first responders. It analyzes historical communication failures, attributing them to deficiencies in governance, planning, training, and exercises rather than technology. The presentation advocates for enhanced interoperability through structured statewide executive committees and introduces advanced solutions such as FirstNet, a national public safety broadband network, and Next Generation 911 (NG911), which digitizes public safety answering points to integrate diverse data streams. The core focus is on transforming emergency response through comprehensive planning, training, and exercise protocols to effectively utilize new data-rich communication technologies.

The 'MPowering the State' initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Baltimore, aiming to maximize their collective impact on the state, its economy, and future innovators. Key strategic focus areas include advancing healthcare solutions through the Center for Health Rated Informatics and Bioimaging (CHIB), fostering cross-disciplinary research via a Seed Grant Program, providing unique legal education opportunities through the MLaw program, strengthening public health workforce development with the Maryland Public Health Collaborative, and accelerating technology commercialization through UM Ventures. This strategic effort seeks to catalyze innovation and address critical societal needs.

This document outlines the President's strategic priorities for the next five years. Key focus areas include fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture by addressing structural racism and appointing a dedicated officer. It emphasizes the institution's role as an anchor in West Baltimore and its broader obligation to serve underserved communities across the state, including through training programs and community engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of growing the research enterprise, particularly in pandemic preparedness, and strengthening collaborations with partner institutions.

This document details a celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. The speaker expressed gratitude to the Diversity Advisory Council and reflected on the importance of diversity, courage, and being constructive allies. Key discussion points included Dr. King's teachings on morality, conscience, and standing for what is right, citing his "Letter from the Birmingham Jail" regarding injustice in all communities. The speaker also shared personal history, including her educational path from Duke University to the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, her career as the first female Prince George's County Executive, and reflections on historical events like the OJ Simpson trial and personal family history involving racial injustice in South Carolina. A recurring theme was the obligation to defend others and redeem the dream of justice and equality.