Comment from Jen Poynter

[200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, 200.450] To Whom it May Concern: My name is Jen Poynter and I am a professor of epidemiology. My research is focused on pediatric cancer risk and outcomes. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.432, 200.454, 200.461, 200.206, and 200.450 that would restrict typical professional expenses, curtail the communication of scientific results, and place excessive scrutiny on the activities of scientists. Membership in professional societies is essential in the study of rare diseases such as pediatric cancer. Building a professional network outside my institution has facilitated multi-site studies that will have a bigger impact on reducing pediatric cancer. Scientific conferences are an essential part of disseminating the research conducted with federal funding. Timelines and research projects do not always progress as planned and it is not always feasible to determine the exact timing of when research results will be ready to present at a conference. The outcome of studies is also not determined at the time of submission so it is not possible to determine which findings will be most impactful. I have 15 scientific manuscripts that have been published in the past year or will be published in the coming months. Publishing papers is a requirement for career progression and obtaining tenure and promotion. It is also the most effective way to disseminate findings to spur additional studies or prevent others from pursuing studies on projects that are not likely to be fruitful. If this rule is passed, collaboration and dissemination of federally funded research will be negatively impacted.