Mission
NIH’s mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the natureand behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledgeto enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illnessand disability.
The goals of the agency are:
- to foster fundamental creative discoveries, innovative researchstrategies, and their applications as a basis for ultimatelyprotecting and improving health;
- to develop, maintain, and renew scientific human and physicalresources that will ensure the Nation's capability to preventdisease;
- to expand the knowledge base in medical and associated sciencesin order to enhance the Nation's economic well-being and ensurea continued high return on the public investment in research;and
- to exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific integrity,public accountability, and social responsibility in the conductof science.
In realizing these goals, the NIH provides leadership and directionto programs designed to improve the health of the Nation by conductingand 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, andexchange of information in medicine and health, including thedevelopment and support of medical libraries and the trainingof medical librarians and other health information specialists.
