This paper describes the history, current status, and objectives and potential impact of the new National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). Three of the authors (Hendee, Chien, and Maynard) have been involved over several years in the effort to raise the identity of biomedical imaging and bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health. The fourth author (Dean) is the Acting Director of the newly formed NIBIB. These individuals have an extensive collective knowledge of the events that led to formation of the NIBIB, and are intimately involved in shaping its objectives and implementation strategy. This special report provides a historical record of activities leading to establishment of the NIBIB, and an accounting of present and potential advances in biomedical engineering and imaging that will be facilitated and enhanced by NIBIB. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering represents a "coming of age" of biomedical engineering and imaging, and offers great potential to expand the research frontiers of these disciplines to unparalleled heights.

Academies and Institutes↗

PubMed2002

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering: history, status, and potential impact.

In December 2000, President Clinton signed legislation establishing the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). This action was the result of a multidecade effort of the biomedical imaging and engineering communities to gain increased recognition for biomedical imaging and engineering research within the National Institutes of Health and to enhance the impact of these disciplines on the health and well-being of people worldwide. Beginning in January 2001, several activities were initiated to form NIBIB into a real asset for researchers in biomedical imaging and engineering. These activities reflect a recognition that research in biomedical imaging and bioengineering has the potential of positively influencing research in many other biomedical disciplines, as well as directly affecting the welfare of people everywhere. This potential impact is discussed in this report, together with the history and present status of the formation of NIBIB.

Academies and Institutes↗

PubMed2002

Progress at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

History, 20th Century↗

PubMed1991

Public attitudes towards human genetics research: endorsement, indifference or opposition (1)

Research in human genetics presents major ethical and moral issues as well as scientific and technological challenges. The potential contributions of genetics research to the alleviation of human suffering are virtually unlimited. It offers opportunities to help shift medicine from the biomedical model of "diagnosis and treatment" of disease to the ecological model of "prevention and early intervention" of disease. Genetics research promises to yield approaches to medical diagnosis and therapy that are truly "primary" technologies, rather than the "half-way" technologies that comprise much of the medicine practiced today. At a fundamental level, genetics research is a search for new knowledge. It is at this level that many of the ethical and moral issues arise. These issues are best addressed by an informed public willing to approach them honestly and dispassionately. Creation of an informed and objective public demands a productive and ongoing dialogue between science and society. Establishment of such a dialogue requires a major commitment of scientists, especially those engaged in genetics research.

Abortion, Eugenic↗