Director's Council of Public Representatives

About COPR

The NIH Director's Council of Public Representatives (COPR) is a federal advisory committee, made up of members of the public, who advise the NIH Director on issues related to public input and participation in NIH activities, the NIH research priority setting process, and public outreach programs and efforts.

The COPR is made up of 21 people from across the country who have been chosen to represent the public through an open nomination process. They are patients, family members of patients, health care professionals, scientists, health and science communicators, and educators.

By serving as a public voice to the NIH, COPR Members

• Bring important matters of public interest to NIH leadership.
• Help increase public participation in the many NIH activities and initiatives that affect the public.
• Increase public understanding of the NIH and its programs.

The COPR meets two times a year on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. COPR Members also participate in NIH initiatives and take part in public outreach activities throughout the year.

Related Links:

• Fact Sheet (pdf)
• History
• COPR: Engaging Communities Across the Nation (Power Point)
  Presented at the NCRR Clinical and Translational Science Awards Workshop, May 14, 2009