By Dan Hogan (301) 496-7301
January 9, 2003

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences is ringing in the new year with the launch of its revamped Web site, which now offers easier access to funding opportunities, free publications and the latest news from the Institute. The site is available at www.nigms.nih.gov.

NIGMS, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health, supports thousands of scientists nationwide whose research helps increase understanding of fundamental life processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Visitors to the site will find information about NIGMS programs in genetics and developmental biology; cell biology and biophysics; pharmacology, physiology and biological chemistry; bioinformatics and computational biology; and minority biomedical research and training.

In addition, visitors can view online versions of the Institute's award-winning publications, such as The Structures of Life, The Chemistry of Health, Genetic Basics, Genes & Populations and Findings. Free printed copies can also be ordered online.

"The new NIGMS Web site is designed to be easier to use and more visually appealing while continuing to offer a wealth of content," said Dr. Judith H. Greenberg, acting director of NIGMS.

"Researchers can access valuable and timely information about relevant grants and opportunities for collaboration. Teachers and students can learn about the principles and promise of contemporary biology from our publications. And journalists and other members of the public can find out about important new discoveries in biomedical science that our Institute has helped make possible," she said.

The new site is divided into the following five sections:

• Research Funding — includes overviews of NIGMS' major research initiatives, announcements of research funding opportunities and grant application and review information.
   
• Training & Careers — includes announcements of research training, fellowship and career development opportunities.
   
• Minority Programs — includes information on Minority Access to Research Careers, Minority Biomedical Research Support, Bridges to the Future and other programs that seek to increase the number of minority biomedical scientists.
   
• News & Events — includes news releases about NIGMS-funded research, science education materials,  publications about the Institute's programs, information about NIGMS-sponsored meetings and meeting reports.
   
• About NIGMS — includes an overview of NIGMS, alphabetical and organizational staff lists, information about the Institute's advisory council and budget material.

The site also features improved navigation and search tools. In addition, it is fully accessible by users with assistive technology devices, such as screen readers for the visually impaired.