Created at the request of the President and with the support of congress in 1962, the NICHD was initially founded to realize a vision: to support the world's best minds in investigating human development throughout the entire life process, focusing on understanding developmental disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), and illuminating important events that occur during pregnancy.
Since then, the NICHD has achieved an impressive array of scientific advances in its pursuit to enhance lives throughout all stages of human development, from preconception through adulthood, improving the health of children, adults, families, communities, and populations. Research supported and conducted by the NICHD has helped to explain the unique health needs of many, and has brought about novel and effective ways to fulfill them.
To learn more about the NICHD, select a link below.