Research Means Hope : NIH, the Nation's Medical Research Agency, improves all our lives.

NIH — The Nation's Medical Research Agency

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Helping to lead the way toward important medical discoveries that improve people's health and save lives, NIH-funded research investigates ways to prevent disease, understand its causes, and search for more effective treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. The NIH provides leadership and financial support to researchers in every state.

About NIH and Medical Research

Fact Sheet About NIH
NIH Research in Your State
The Road to Discovery: Medical Research Today (PDF, 13 pages)
Medical Research: Saving Lives Through New Cures and Treatments (PDF, 3 pages)
Research Timeline
NIH Funding Trends and Impacts

How NIH Research is Making a Difference

Medical Breakthroughs We Live By (PDF, 1 page)
Revolution in Science and Medicine (PDF, 1 page)
Advances to Watch (PDF, 1 page)

Learn About NIH-Funded Research Advances

Disease-Based Fact Sheets from the NIH
Discoveries and Innovations in Patient Care and Research Database

Other Topic Areas:

Learn more about the recent press conference sponsored by ResearchMeansHope.org in honor of National Medical Research Day.

The news that the National Institutes of Health will receive a $10 billion infusion of funds as part of the economic recovery package is welcome indeed. But while these funds will provide critical, short-term support during these difficult financial times, the fundamental challenge for medical research remains — ensuring sustained, real growth of the NIH budget over the long term.

Tell your members of Congress you support significant, annual increases in medical research funding. Send your message today.

A simple, effective way to express your support for significant, annual increases in medical research funding.

Learn about the coalition of patients, physicians, and researchers of America's medical schools, teaching hospitals, universities, research companies, and organizations who are supporting ResearchMeansHope.org.

Let others know about our mission to increase funding for medical research.