Companion activities, like developing genomic resources for organisms such as mice, rats, and fruit flies, will help speed the arrival of more precise medical interventions. We are rapidly moving to a time when diagnosis, treatment and even prevention will depend on a precise understanding of the genetic makeup of an individual. This is a particularly exciting time for expansion of research in fields of neuroscience, such as neurogenetics and imaging. To foster collaboration and sharing of ideas among the many Institutes which support intramural research in this area, we are requesting funds for construction of a facility for the new National Neuroscience Research Center to house outstanding trans-NIH neuroscience research programs. Other Sciences, Including Biomedical Computing .
Many medical advances build on the knowledge and technology of other scientific disciplines.
To exploit our new understanding of biological processes, we need new teams of diverse and skilled researchers to overcome complex technological and research problems. In FY 2001, NIH will establish an Office of Bioengineering and Bioimaging to help the Institutes and Centers set priorities in these areas of science and to enhance collaboration with other agencies. Based on a report by outside experts, NIH has developed the Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative to work toward an intellectual fusion of biomedicine and information technology. In FY 2001, the NIH plans to provide the infrastructure to train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists, to develop new means for storing, managing, and accessing vast data collections, and to enhance basic research in biomedical computing. Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening statement.