An ad hoc committee will plan and conduct a one-day public workshop that will bring together experts and key stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and non-profit organizations to examine the scientific opportunities and challenges, as well as bioethical considerations, of genetically engineered nonhuman primate models for neuroscience research.

Invited presentations and discussions will be designed to:

• Discuss the state of the science of transgenic and chimeric neuroscience research and emerging models for nervous system disorders, and explore the potential usefulness of such models to enhance understanding of higher cortical function and advance therapeutic development.
• Examine current tools and technologies used in rodent models (e.g., transgenesis, chimera, AAVs [adeno-associated viruses], gene therapy, etc.) and explore how they would need to be modified for use in other animal models, such as nonhuman primates.
• Consider bioethical principles and issues related to genetic engineering of animal models for nervous system disorders, and discuss potential metrics for determining the models’ readiness for nonhuman primate research.
• Discuss policies and infrastructure needed to advance research in this domain including, for example, training, recruitment of early career scientists, and the potential development of specialized research centers and international collaborations.

The committee will develop the agenda for the workshop, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. A proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.