The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

Liver Diseases Research Branch funded by NIDDK

The Liver Disease Research Branch serves to focus and accelerate research on liver disease in the NIDDK and help coordinate and stimulate liver-related research across the NIH and within other Federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Bureau of Prisons, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. An initial important task set for was to prepare the trans-NIH Action Plan for Liver Disease Research. Its mission is:

• To plan and direct the program of research grants, cooperative agreements, epidemiological studies, clinical trials, contracts, fellowships and training awards in liver and biliary disease;
• To provide consultation to investigators in preparation of proposals for research;
• To maintain surveillance over developments and assess needs for basic research in liver diseases; to prepare analyses of national research efforts and help identify gaps in research;
• To assess needs for clinical and translational research in liver diseases; to provide advice and direction to development and design of protocols; and ultimately to provide supervision and oversight for conduct of clinical trials;
• To develop recommendations to the NIDDK Advisory Council regarding priorities, initiatives, and funding of liver and biliary disease research;
• To advise and participate with outside lay organizations in responding to needs of patients with liver disease;
• To conduct meetings and workshops to help stimulate research, set research priorities and disseminate knowledge about liver and biliary diseases and recent research findings;
• To prepare, evaluate and distribute teaching and educational materials on liver and biliary diseases.

Page last updated: June 07, 2008