Table of Contents - Short Version
A MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR, NIDDK
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is one of 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the Public Health Service in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Institute conducts and supports basic and clinical research in some of the most serious, common, disabling, and costly conditions affecting the public's health. The diseases in NIDDK's research mission cut across the full spectrum of medicine and include:
- Diabetes and other endocrine diseases;
- Cystic fibrosis and other inherited diseases;
- Digestive diseases;
- Obesity;
- Nutrition;
- Diseases of the kidney, genitourinary tract, and blood.
Most arise from the complex interaction of genetic, autoimmune, neuroendocrine, metabolic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Some diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hepatitis, and kidney failure disproportionately affect minority populations. NIDDK funds research projects that relate directly to these diseases, but it also places a high priority on fundamental, untargeted research.
Training is critically important to continued progress in medical research. NIDDK supports research training and career development, with special emphasis on increasing the ranks of physician scientists and recruiting underrepresented minorities and women into biomedical research careers.
The National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Advisory Council's most important purpose is to make recommendations regarding the funding of grant applications, focusing primarily on the relevance to the programmatic missions and priorities of the Institute. The Council also has the responsibility to ensure the adequacy of the scientific review by the initial review groups. In addition, the Council offers advice on a wide variety of policies and programs within the Institute.
As you begin service on the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Advisory Council, we hope this orientation material will help answer some of your questions and provide the information you will need in your role as a Council member. In addition, your comments on the usefulness of this material and suggestions for improvement will be appreciated.
Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P.,
Acting Director,
National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health
