National Institute of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. Operating under the Department of Health and Human Services, it is composed of 27 institutes and centers, each focusing on specific research areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and genetic studies. The NIH funds and conducts research both in its own laboratories and through grants to universities, medical centers, and other research institutions worldwide. It also plays a key role in setting scientific priorities, disseminating research findings, and supporting clinical trials. Established in the late 19th century, the NIH has grown into a central driver of medical innovation, contributing to advancements in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Its budget, among the largest for any biomedical research organization globally, enables it to support a wide range of scientific projects aimed at improving health and extending life expectancy.

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