The internal documents show that Gottesman, the NIH deputy director in charge of the agency's in-house, or "intramural" research, clashed with a high-level colleague, Dr. Raynard S. Kington, a physician-administrator who also holds the title of deputy director and whom Zerhouni assigned in January to take charge of a range of NIH ethics policies.
On April 22, Kington wrote in an e-mail to Gottesman and four other officials that he feared the panel members did not understand that in some institutes and centers at the NIH "there is not a bright line" between those involved with intramural research and those involved with outside, "extramural" research.
For instance, the in-house scientists at the NIH help decide whether they and the agency participate in cooperative research projects with various drug companies. Because of their government roles, the scientists also are well positioned to advise, for pay, universities or other outside research entities interested in NIH grants.
"I think (and I think many outside people would agree) that our IM [intramural] scientists should not consult with universities and other institutions that are funded by us," Kington said.
Gottesman responded by e-mail, telling Kington and the other officials -- each of whom assisted the panel in preparing the report -- "I must respectfully disagree."
In its final report, the panel disregarded Kington's advice, saying that if the in-house scientists are not directly involved in dispensing NIH research grants, they should be allowed to consult with universities receiving those awards.
