The Jan. 6 Faculty Council meeting began with Daniel Ennis, executive dean for administration, who discussed the state of HMS finances. During his presentation he gave updates on University finances and major actions and challenges affecting the HMS financial situation.
Dean Jeffrey Flier then introduced Gretchen Brodnicki, dean for faculty and research integrity, to give a presentation on the Faculty of Medicine Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment. During her presentation, Brodnicki provided background information on the policy and highlighted the recent formation of an HMS Conflict of Interest (COI) Committee. She strongly encouraged Faculty Council members to contact her or Marjorie Oettinger, who sits on the COI committee in her role as Faculty Council vice chair, with any suggestions or feedback on the policy. Brodnicki also introduced Kristen Bittinger, director of scientific integrity at HMS.
Flier said that the COI policy will come back to the Faculty Council for consideration.
Flier next introduced Donald Ingber, the Judah Folkman professor of vascular biology in the Department of Pathology, to present on the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Ingber, who is director of the Wyss, gave a general overview of the institute’s mission, major goals and research themes: synthetic biology, biological control and living material.
Finally, Rick Shea, associate dean for physical planning and facilities, gave an update on the August 2009 coffee incident in the new research building. Shea gave background information on what had occurred, what steps were taken as people became ill and the steps taken following the incident. Security measures have been instituted as a result. He reviewed the groups that were consulted to assist with the response and investigation. He also highlighted the different types of testing that were done. Shea said that the coffee was found to contain sodium azide, a chemical used in labs as a preservative and biocide. He noted that the symptoms experienced by those affected were consistent with case reports from a similar incident in England.
