On April 15, 1996, FDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Maryland to create a unique partnership designed to increase the quality of research and public health policy, and to promote more efficient use of research resources. Named the "Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition" (JIFSAN), this partnership will be jointly administered, and function as a multi-disciplinary research program.

FDA Commissioner David A. Kessler, M.D. and University of Maryland President, Dr. William E. Kirwan signed the MOU in the presence of many dignitaries, including: HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, and Governor Parris N. Glendening.

The FDA is the leading Federal regulatory agency responsible for promoting and protecting public health, continually striving to keep its scientists abreast of the latest scientific developments, and often relying on consultation with other academic organizations. The University of Maryland is the Washington area's most comprehensive research institution, serving as the primary center for graduate study and research, and providing undergraduate instruction across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. The MOU allows the pooling of the two organization's internationally recognized scientific expertise, equipment, and facilities.

It is expected that the collaborative research conducted by the Center and the University's scientists in the Joint Institute will include studies on risk assessment, nutritional analyses, and other scientific investigations contributing to the four major elements of FDA's food program:

• Food security related to pathogens, contaminants, and toxins;
• Regulatory science applied to the review of food ingredients, international standards, and educational research;
• Nutrition and clinical studies related to nutrient quality, safety and labeling;
• Evaluation of technological innovations in the food industry and consumer behavior.

In addition, FDA and University scientists will participate in seminars, workshops, and other scientific forums to expand their expertise. Similarly, graduate and undergraduate students will have access to specialized training, internships and independent research.

FDA's participation in the Joint Institute is enhanced by the recent decision of the General Services Administration to build a new facility for both the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine in the College Park area, where construction is expected to be completed by the year 2000.

This cooperative relationship will benefit both organizations substantially by the interchange of expertise, which will ultimately strengthen the scientific and professional base of both FDA and the University of Maryland. There will be opportunities to network with other nearby health agencies and share specialized equipment. CVM's new state-of-the-art large animal research facility in Beltsville is nearing completion, with occupancy expected in early FY 97. The USDA's Animal Research Center is also a short distance from College Park. In this environment of shrinking resources, this joint endeavor will promote growth which may otherwise be impossible. The Joint Institute plans future partnerships with industry as well as other State and Federal Government agencies.