Comment from Jen Poynter

[200.202(e), 200.220] To Whom it May Concern: I am a professor of epidemiology and a childhood cancer researcher. 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. Because pediatric cancer is a very rare outcome, we must work together with international collaborators to conduct well powered clinical trials and outcome studies. If we are focused on conducting "gold standard science" as the administration requests, we are not able to do that without our international colleagues. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has long provided the definitive answer on whether a compound is a carcinogen. U.S. based scientists have made essential contributions to these decisions and prohibiting our work in this area will remove the U.S. influence and expertise from future decision making. We live in a global society and trying to insulate the United States form international collaboration will leave us unprepared to meet future health challenges.