Getting to Know NIH

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What does NIH do? With a budget of about $28 billion in FY 2007, NIH is the federal government's main agency that supports biomedical as well as behavioral research.

Its mission is to supports biomedical and behavioral research that expands scientific knowledge to improve public health.

Most of NIH's money funds grants to research organizations throughout the U.S. and, to a smaller extent, other parts of the world.

Like any large bureaucracy, NIH has a unique mission, processes, and culture. Understanding these characteristics can help you succeed:

• NIH's mission is expanding scientific knowledge to improve public health.
• NIH funds most grants by the scientific quality of the applications it receives rather than by pre-defined, high-priority areas of science.
• Funding strategies vary somewhat by institute.
• Application quality is determined by initial peer review, performed by non-NIH scientists.
• NIH's scientific and administrative staff can help you at each stage of the application process -- read Contact Staff for Help.

Find more information online:

• NIH Organization and Process questions and answers from NIAID
• Where Does Your Research Belong? in the NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal
• NIH home page
• NIH Research Planning

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