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HTDS Guide > Public
Involvement and Scientific Review > Reviewers and Their Roles
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Reviewers and Their Roles
Throughout the study, HTDS researchers received input and suggestions
from a wide variety of sources.
The Public
Individuals and public groups provided input in a variety of ways,
including participation in public meetings and the HTDS Advisory
Committee, and with written comments to CDC.
The research team communicated with the public throughout the study
using newsletters, mailers and a toll-free number. Under a separate
project funded by the Federal Government, the Hanford Health Information
Network provided information about radiation health effects.
The HTDS Advisory Committee
The HTDS Advisory Committee (officially known as the Hanford Thyroid
Morbidity Study Advisory Committee) was created to advise CDC on the
design and implementation of the study.
The committee was chartered by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. Scientists, state health officials, environmental
groups, Indian Nations and the public were represented in the group.
The committee met regularly from 1991 through 1999. At each meeting
the public was given an opportunity to ask questions and offer their own
views on the study.
National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
The NAS is one of the country's most respected scientific
organizations. At three points in the study (Pilot Study, Analysis Plan
and HTDS Draft Report), an NAS committee peer reviewed the study and
made recommendations to the research team. The NAS committee included
epidemiologists, statisticians and other scientists.
Peer review is an independent scientific evaluation that helps ensure
that a study is of high quality.
Independent Scientists
In 1998, CDC convened a group of independent scientists with
expertise in thyroid disease, radiation and epidemiology to review the
HTDS Draft Report. Their evaluation was made available in a public
report.
Other independent scientists offered critical review on the pilot
study design and protocol during the early phase of the study.
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