Division of Intramural Research

Overview

The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) conducts basic and clinical research in a wide range of disciplines related to immunology, allergy, and infectious diseases. Our purpose is to make scientific discoveries that promote the development of new vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to improve human health. Toward this goal, the DIR works to

• Expand knowledge of normal immune system components and functions
• Define mechanisms responsible for abnormal immune function (immunodeficiency, allergy and autoimmunity)
• Understand the biology of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) and the host response to infection
• Develop strategies to prevent and treat immunologic, allergic and infectious diseases

DIR scientists study all aspects of infectious diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and influenza, including the causative agent, vectors, and pathogenesis in the human host. They also study prions, the transmissible agents associated with "mad cow" disease and its human form, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In recent years, research aimed at developing countermeasures against bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases has become an increasingly important part of the DIR agenda.

A strong clinical research component is integral to the DIR, allowing key lab discoveries to be rapidly translated into methods to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. DIR researchers have more than 100 clinical trials ongoing at the NIH Clinical Center on the Bethesda campus or at collaborating U.S. and international sites.

Organization

The DIR has 20 laboratories that conduct peer-reviewed research and 4 branches that focus on malaria vaccine development, new research technologies, and animal care. DIR staff includes 117 principal investigators who lead our research, nearly 90 staff scientists and physicians, and more than 400 technical personnel.

In addition to conducting research, the DIR also provides many laboratory and clinical research training opportunities for both pre- and postdoctoral physicians and scientists. Trainees constitute the largest staff group in the DIR, numbering approximately 500 in 2006.

Location

Most DIR labs are located on the NIH campus in Bethesda and nearby Rockville, Maryland; our other Maryland facilities are located in Frederick, about 40 miles from the main NIH campus. The DIR also has a large research campus in Hamilton, Montana, known as the Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML). Construction of new biocontainment labs and other improvements are underway at these sites.

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