Background on the U-M Risk Science Center and Dr. Philbert’s FDA committee work
- Background
In the past week, interest has increased regarding an impending report by a Food and Drug Administration subcommittee evaluating the safety of bisphenol-A. BPA is a chemical found in certain plastics, including those used in some baby bottles. The report is expected by the end of October.
Professor Martin Philbert, U-M acting director for the University of Michigan Risk Science Center, serves as chair of the FDA Science Board Subcommittee. The Risk Science Center received a $5 million gift from U-M graduates Charles and Rita Gelman in support of the Center’s mission to assess, quantify and communicate health risks to the public. Mr. Gelman formerly owned Gelman Sciences and has publicly disputed the risks of BPA.
Some reporters and lawmakers are questioning whether there is a conflict of interest in Dr. Philbert’s service on the committee because of the gift to the Center, and have suggested that Dr. Philbert recuse himself from decision-making on the issue or have the Center return the $5 million donation from the Gelmans.
The FDA is again reviewing the documentation submitted by Dr. Philbert, though they continue to believe Dr. Philbert acted appropriately.
- Dr. Philbert’s conduct has been ethical and professional
Before beginning this volunteer work, Professor Philbert completed the FDA’s detailed “potential conflicts of interest” paperwork, and has complied with all University conflict of interest policies. The FDA has stated publicly it believes Dr. Philbert has acted in good faith on the matter. The University stands by his professionalism in this matter.
- There is no conflict of interest on the part of Dr. Philbert
The gift from the Gelmans was made to the University of Michigan. Dr. Philbert does not benefit directly from it. He does not derive salary or research money from it. Professor Philbert does not receive a salary from the Center, nor does he receive any funding from the Gelman gift or the Gelmans in general.
- Our donors are not asked to check their opinions at the door
Our donors are part of a diverse group of engaged leaders in business and the community, and are outspoken on any number of important topics. We do not impede their right to free speech; likewise, they do not impede our research.
- Academic research is controlled by researchers
Academic research at the University of Michigan and other American universities is conducted and controlled by scientists whose goal is the objective advancement of knowledge for the public good.
All gifts to the University are bound by rigorous restrictions relating to academic freedom. Donors give gifts knowing that they will be used for independent study of a subject and are supportive of objective research.
We encourage transparency to ensure that our actions and the appearance of those actions promote our reputation as an independent research institution. While the accusations propagated by a reporter are baseless, we must be open to the continued examination of our policies and processes related to conflict of interest. We recognize vigorous review and refinement of our standards is critical to assuring objective scientific discovery.
The FDA's BPA Subcommittee Report (as well as the other briefing materials) »