Director's Message - RCDC System

The NIH has launched the new computerized Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system. RCDC provides easy-to-use, downloadable reports of how NIH is investing public funds in medical research in 215 categories. We invite you to access FY2008 funding amounts and projects listings by logging onto www.report.nih.gov/rcdc/categories.

Unlike the systems that the NIH has used in the past, RCDC uses advances in data and text mining software to apply a consistent categorization process for each research area, disease or condition reported. This means that the funding numbers for all NIH ICs are collected using a uniform method, ensuring consistency across the ICs. Since it is electronic, it allows the public to easily access, search, and download information of interest.

Since RCDC uses a different categorization method than in the past, the numbers reported in a given category will be different in many cases. It is important to note that these changes do not necessarily reflect changes in the content of the NIH research portfolio or changes in NIH research priorities.

RCDC answers a need expressed by many in the patient community and by the Congress for an easy-to-use, transparent report of how NIH is investing public funds in medical research. In addition to the funding amounts and project listings, NIH RePORT has much more information on the RCDC process, including a helpful FAQ, and a document explaining reasons the reported funding levels may have changed. We hope that you will access www.report.nih.gov to learn more.

-Story Landis, Ph.D.