Letter from William K. Boyes, Ph.D. (United States Environmental Protection Agency) January 4, 2001 Dear Ms. White and Mr. Weissman: Thank you for your recent letter regarding my previous association with the Philip Morris External Research Program and the prior organization, the Center for Indoor Air Research. When I agreed to serve as a peer-reviewer for scientific grants submitted to these organizations I was naively unaware of any indications that they were other than as they represented themselves to me: organizations wanting to fund legitimate peer-reviewed scientific research. Last year a friend and co-worker made me aware of the controversy surrounding these organizations, and I was most distressed by these revelations. At the same time my management raised concerns that my role as a peer-reviewer may cause perceptions of a conflict of interest. I immediately sent in a letter of resignation, dated November 6, 2000. I wish you the best in your continued fight against smoking. Sincerely, William K. Boyes, PhD |