Comment from Eric Jones

[200.202(e), 200.220] To Whom it May Concern: I am an assistant professor in biophysics. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.202(e) and 200.220 that would restrict international scientific collaboration and isolate American scientists. I have published three high-impact publications with international collaborators. These collaborations honed my research interests and contributed to my acquisition of a faculty position. I informally mentored a graduate student that was studying in Canada and was originally from Pakistan. He led the project and is a tremendous scientist. But under the proposed "ban on collaboration," future interactions with this scientist are incompatible with US federal funding support. Science progresses most rapidly when unique viewpoints coalesce. I am lucky to work with numerous international collaborators that have broadened my research vision. Everybody loses when collaboration is curtailed.