The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the steward of biomedical and behavioral research for the Nation. Its mission is science in pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. The goals of the Agency are as follows:

1. Foster fundamental creative discoveries, innovative research strategies, and their applications as a basis to advance significantly the Nation’s capacity to protect and improve health;

2. develop, maintain, and renew scientific human and physical resources that will assure the Nation’s capability to prevent disease, improve health, and enhance the quality of life;

3. expand the knowledge base in biomedical and associated sciences in order to enhance the Nation’s economic well-being and ensure a continued high return on the public investment in research;

4. exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific integrity, public accountability, and social responsibility in the conduct of science.

In realizing these goals, the NIH provides leadership and direction to programs designed to improve the health of the Nation by conducting and supporting research: in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human diseases; in the processes of human growth and development; in the biological effects of environmental contaminants; in the understanding of mental, addictive and physical disorders; and in directing programs for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information in medicine and health, including the development and support of medical libraries and the training of medical librarians and other health information specialists.

Foreword
The NIH Organization Handbook contains organization charts and a description of the functions of each Institute and Center. The Handbook was prepared by the Office of Management Assessment (OMA), Office of the Director, NIH. It was developed from Notification of Organization Change forms submitted to OMA, and is intended to provide readers with an up-to-date reference of the formal structure and functions of NIH.

For further information contact the OMA at 301-496-2832.