As the organization responsible for the management of sponsored programs
for the New York State Department of Health, HRI is always acutely
aware of the potential conflicts involved in accepting research funds
from any organization that the Department of Health regulates, etc.
Regarding the Council for Tobacco Research in particular, the NYS
Commissioner of Health just recently issued a executive memorandum
that reads as follows:

"The Department of Health has taken a strong position against the use of
tobacco products.  Among other things, the Dept. has promoted legislation
limiting smoking, curtailing the access of minors to tobacco products and
raising the taxes on the sale of tobacco products, initiated public
education efforts to discourage smoking, and funded community
activities to limit tobacco use.  The Department's position rests
on both the scientific evidence of the harmful effects of smoking and
second hand smoke and an acute awareness of the vast toll of individual
suffering and death they cause.

The Department's position against tobacco use is not compatible with
the acceptance of funds from the tobacco industry for Department research
or for any other purpose.  Therefore, Department staff shall not apply
for grants from tobacco companies, the Tobacco Institute, the
Council for Tobacco Research, or any other entity known to be
operated on behalf of the tobacco industry."

So the answer to your question about these things in general and about
the CTR in particular, from our perspective is YES, we do worry
about these things!

* Elizabeth (Liz) Mazzella             xxxxxx@ALBNYDH2.BITNET  *
* Asst. Dir. Technology Transfer & Sponsored Pgms.            *
* Health Research, Inc. (A Non-Profit Corp.) Albany NY 12209  *
* Voice: (518) 431-1200                    Fax: (518)431-1234 *