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Albert Lee, Ph.D. Health Science Administrator Extramural Science Programs Democracy Plaza II, Suite 200 Tel: 301-451-4772 Fax: 301-480-1614 alee@mail.nih.gov "By providing an environment that brings people of diverse research backgrounds together, we aim to build a strong, easily navigable bridge of exchange that will significantly narrow the gap between discovery in the hard physical sciences and the manifestation of clinical application."

Photo and biosketch by Jude Gustafson

When asked about his most significant role model, he says, "In a technical sense, my research advisor influenced me most. He always emphasized excellence and attention to detail, and that translates very well, no matter whether you're talking about combustion or biological problems. He also taught us to recognize problems that were truly socially or professionally relevant. Having the savvy and confidence to move in directions that maximize the impact your work might have on the field is a gift. The important thing to remember is that it's not just a matter of what you find interesting; it's a matter of making a real difference in the world."

For several years early on in his career, Lee worked for an engine manufacturer in Detroit on projects that would allow clean-burning natural gas to run in diesel engines. Eventually, a job offer came from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) where he began working in high temperature research, but thirteen years later, Lee ultimately found himself managing a research group in a completely different emphasis. He explains, "Our division focused on projects to develop state-of-the-art measurement technologies for temperature, pressure, fluid flow, and composition, but our goal eventually shifted to be more involved in biological measurements. That opened up all kinds of opportunitites for me."

A Federal interagency fellowship program proved to be the door of opportunity that led to NIBIB. Lee talked to members of various NIH institutes, but felt that NIBIB's mission was most closely related to his experience and interests. He recalls, "I volunteered to come here for a year to learn and see if there were potential collaborations with NIST projects. But then I stayed for a second year, and by the end of that time, NIBIB offered me a full-time position."

Lee plays a dual role at NIBIB. As a Program Officer, he manages grants in several technical areas, but his primary effort is to improve the compatibility of materials used as implants in the body. He also spends much of his time investigating potential interagency collaborations. He says, "If an agency has a particular research interest that they think could be improved through collaboration with ours, I will go in during the early stages to see if we can eliminate any potential barriers and find out what we might need to do to pave the road for success."

Bridging the Sciences

Lee has spent much time on brainstorming and development of NIBIB's Bridging the Sciences Program. This program is a natural extension of his interdisciplinary activities at NIBIB and is an aspect of his work that he is devoted to.

NIBIB was founded in 2002 on the hope that a new surge of medical advances would be born in an atmosphere where the life and physical sciences are seamlessly bound. Since that time, Congress has expressed its confidence in that foundational concept through mandates that effectively nudge diverse research disciplines closer together and encourage interdisciplinary research among, and within, Federal agencies.

One such mandate came in 2003 when an appropriations bill called upon NIH, NSF, and other agencies, to promote interdisciplinary collaboration through Bridging the Sciences. Language in the mandate did not specify details of projects or funding, and thus, allowed for development of a relatively unrestrained plan.

NIBIB, whose unique identity at NIH rests on interdisciplinary collaboration, took the initiative to partner with NSF, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), to host two forums intended to explore recommendations for Bridging the Sciences projects and funding options. The ultimate goal was to devise actionable plans in the form of new RFAs (Request for Application) that would exemplify the new research paradigm. The first conference, held in spring of 2004, included participants from ten Federal agencies, and a November conference further expanded invitations to include distinguished participants from all realms of science.

In response to the 2006 NIH Reform Act, an NIBIB-administered special interest group called the Bioengineering Consortium (BECON), consisting of researchers from across NIH, formed a team to assist in brainstorming for mandated Demonstration Projects that bridge the life and physical sciences. Additionally, the Demonstration Oversight Group, led by Directors from NIBIB and NIGMS, would build on BECON's reflections and spread an even wider net hoping to solicit truly novel ideas on which to base the new Demonstration Projects.

Lee, Executive Secretary for BECON, comments, "We are seeking mind-broadening ideas coming from completely different perspectives that would introduce fresh air to the projects. Lee uses the laser, an instrument developed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Charles Townes, to explain the program's purpose and vision further, "Townes, who was a physicist by profession, saw his invention as a tool for communications, cutting and welding. But researchers from various other disciplines would later provide insights that ultimately led to a long list of biological and medical applications for his invention."

This historical interdisciplinary outcome serves as the base for the primordial soup of ingenuity from which Lee's Demonstration Project "dream team" would emerge. He says, "We want to entice the most creative minds to apply what they're doing and channel their energy into a biomedical problem. Hopefully, the Demonstration Projects will inspire them."