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Our mission
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Who we are
Our organization
NIGMS is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the principal medical research agency of the federal government and a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. With a budget of $3.2 billion in FY 2023, NIGMS supported more than 4,800 investigators, more than 5,500 research grants, and more than 5,200 research trainees. The Institute has a strong track record of funding scientists who go on to receive Nobel Prizes, including 51 in Chemistry and 46 in Physiology or Medicine.
Leadership
Erica Brown, Ph.D., became the acting director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) in late 2025. In this position, Brown oversees the Institute's budget ($3.2 billion in FY 2023), which supports basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Advisory groups
The National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council is composed of leaders in the biological and medical sciences, education, health care, and public affairs. Its members, who are appointed for 4-year terms and meet three times a year, perform the second level of peer review for research and research training grant applications assigned to NIGMS. Council members also offer advice and recommendations on policy and program development, program implementation, evaluation, and other matters of significance to the mission and goals of NIGMS.
Research and grants
Research
NIGMS's research mission is aimed at understanding the principles, mechanisms, and processes that underlie living organisms, often using research models. NIGMS also supports the development of fundamental methods and new technologies to achieve its mission. Supported research may utilize specific cells or organ systems if they serve as models for understanding general principles.
Funding
NIGMS places great emphasis on the support of individual, investigator-initiated grants within its scientific mission areas. Most grants are for research projects (R01/R35), but NIGMS also funds small business (SBIR/STTR) grants as well as some research resources. The Institute encourages research in certain scientific areas through requests for applications, Notices of Special Interest, and program announcements.
NIGMS also participates in the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) to enhance the quality of the scientific community through incentives for biomedical and behavioral researchers and trainees.
Budget
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History
NIGMS was established in 1962. Explore significant events and legislative milestones that shaped the Institute, its work, and its continuing role in advancing NIH’s mission.