It defined gain-of-function simply broadly “ research improves ability pathogen cause disease. ” But footnote p.2 moratorium document states “ [ ] n exception research pause may obtained head USG funding agency determines research urgently necessary protect public health national security. ” This seemed mean either director NIAID , Anthony Fauci , director NIH , Francis Collins , maybe , would invoked exemption order keep money flowing Shi ’ gain-of-function research , later avoid notifying federal reporting system research. “ Unfortunately , NIAID Director NIH Director exploited loophole issue exemptions projects subject Pause –preposterously asserting exempted research ‘ urgently necessary protect public health national security ’ —thereby nullifying Pause , ” Dr. Richard Ebright said interview Independent Science News .