National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government focusing on medical research. The Institutes are responsible for 28% - about $28 billion - of the total biomedical research funding spent annually in the U.S, with most of the rest coming from industry.http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/HealthPolicy/tb/1767 The Institutes are located in Bethesda, Maryland, and the surrounding towns.

Centers of the NIH

• Center for Information Technology (CIT; formerly DCRT, OIRM, TCB): incorporates computers into the biomedical programs and administrative procedures of the NIH by conducting computational biosciences research, developing computer systems, and providing computer facilities. Est. 1964.
• Center for Scientific Review (CSR): focal point at NIH for the conduct of initial peer review, makes decisions on applications, grants, and awards, implements ways to conduct referral and review. Est. 1946.
• John E. Fogarty International Center (FIC): promotes and supports scientific research and training internationally to reduce disparities in global health. Est. 1968.
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): exploring complementary and alternative medical practices in the context of rigorous science, training researchers, disseminating authoritative information. Est. 1992.
• National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD): lead, coordinate, support, and assess the NIH effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities in minority groups; conduct and support basic, clinical, social, and behavioral research, reach out to minority and other health disparity communities. Est. 1993.
• National Center for Research Resources (NCRR): research projects and shared resources in biomedical technology, clinical research, comparative medicine, and research infrastructure. Est. 1962.
• Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC): clinical research facility of the National Institutes of Health; provides patient care, services, and environment needed to initiate and support conduct of and training in clinical research. Est. 1953.