National Institutes of Health (NIH) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for medical research. As one of the world's foremost medical research centers, NIH is the Federal focal point for medical research in the U.S. The goal of this research is to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability, from the rarest genetic disorder to the common cold by uncovering new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. NIH works toward that mission by: conducting research in its own labs; supporting the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helping in the training of research investigators; and fostering communication of medical and health sciences information. » National Institutes of Health (NIH) Website