Thanks in large part to NIH-funded medical research, Americans today are living longer and healthier. Life expectancy in the United States has jumped from 47 years in 1900 to 78 years as reported in 2009, and disability in people over age 65 has dropped dramatically in the past 3 decades. In recent years, nationwide rates of new diagnoses and deaths from all cancers combined have fallen significantly.

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Researcher working with a microscope

Mission and Goals

NIH seeks to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

Budget

The NIH invests nearly $48 billion annually in medical research for the American people.

The NIH Almanac

Information about NIH's budget, leadership, legislative chronology, and much more.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®

Some of the main research areas that NIH supports.

Impact of NIH Research

NIH research has had a major positive impact on nearly all of our lives.

Get Involved at NIH

How you can contribute to the nation's medical research agenda.

Science, Health, and Public Trust

Improve the quality and usefulness of information about science and health for the public.