The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is a prominent institution dedicated to advancing the understanding of fundamental biological processes and supporting the training of the next generation of scientists. Established in 1962 by an act of Congress, NIGMS has played a critical role in fostering research that lays the groundwork for significant advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Institute’s mission is unique among the various National Institutes of Health (NIH) entities as it focuses on basic research that spans a broad spectrum of biological questions rather than targeting specific diseases or organ systems. This approach has enabled NIGMS to contribute significantly to the foundational knowledge that underpins many of the medical and scientific breakthroughs of the past several decades.

NIGMS supports a vast array of research projects that investigate how living systems function at multiple levels, from molecules and cells to tissues and entire organisms. This research is conducted in various settings, including universities, medical schools, hospitals, and other research institutions across the United States. To ensure the continued vitality and productivity of the research enterprise, NIGMS places a strong emphasis on training and workforce development. The Institute provides substantial funding for more than 4,800 investigators and over 5,200 research trainees, facilitating around 5,500 research grants, which constitute approximately 11 percent of the total number of research grants funded by NIH. Additionally, NIGMS supports about 30 percent of the National Research Service Award (NRSA) trainees, underscoring its commitment to nurturing scientific talent.

NIGMS has a rich history of contributing to the scientific community, marked by several key milestones and achievements. For instance, the establishment of the DeWitt Stetten, Jr., Lecture in 1982 highlighted the Institute’s dedication to scientific discourse and education. The transfer of the Minority Biomedical Research Support program to NIGMS in 1989 and the creation of the Center for Research Capacity Building in 2015 are indicative of NIGMS’s ongoing efforts to enhance diversity and build research capacity nationwide. The Institute’s reorganization in 2018 into three scientific divisions—Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences; Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; and Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry—further streamlined its operations to better support its wide-ranging research mission.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jon R. Lorsch, who has been the director since 2013, NIGMS continues to oversee a substantial budget of $3.2 billion (as of Fiscal Year 2023), aimed at driving forward basic biomedical research. Dr. Lorsch, a respected figure in RNA biology, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to both research and education. His tenure at Johns Hopkins University, where he significantly contributed to the understanding of translation initiation, a critical step in gene expression, exemplifies the caliber of leadership steering NIGMS.

In summary, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences stands as a cornerstone of the NIH’s efforts to promote fundamental biomedical research. Its broad and inclusive mission, extensive funding programs, and commitment to training and diversity make it a vital institution in the landscape of American scientific research. Through its support of cutting-edge research and its dedication to developing the next generation of scientists, NIGMS continues to make significant contributions to the global understanding of biological processes and the advancement of human health.