Roadmap (5) is a major cause of reduced success rates. In fact, the Roadmap represents only 1.2% of the fiscal year (FY) 2006 NIH budget. The science within the Roadmap is peer-reviewed and very competitive. It is not a monolithic program, but rather supports over 345 principal investigators at 133 extramural institutions through a variety of mechanisms, including R01s. It does not significantly affect overall success rates. The planned Roadmap budget represents a balanced portfolio, with 40% going to basic research; 40% to clinical and translational research; and 20% to interdisciplinary and high-risk research, such as the Pioneer awards.

I believe that any organization of the size and complexity of NIH needs to have an explicit and dynamic process for supporting critical scientific programs that cut across scientific areas and that none of the individual institutes could support on its own. In an era of rapid convergence of (and emerging opportunities in) science, the Roadmap process allows NIH to support innovative and high-risk research, incubate new ideas, and stimulate the development of transforming strategies that can benefit the entire scientific community. To ensure vitality, no initiative will be funded for more than 10 years, with most lasting 5 years. In my opinion, the greatest risk for science is to stop taking risks. The Roadmap process allows NIH to remain responsive even in constrained times. It has been and will continue to be developed through wide consultations with members of the scientific community. The Roadmap process was well received by Congress and the administration and served as an important part of the rationale for NIH’s small budget increases in 2004 and 2005.