First-rate scientists are key to NIH intramural research. They collaborate with one another regardless of institute affiliation or scientific discipline, and have the intellectual freedom to pursue their research leads in NIH's own laboratories. These explorations range from basic biology, to behavioral research, to studies on treatment of major diseases. NIH Research Laboratories NIH scientists conduct their research in laboratories located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, and in several field units across the country and abroad. The 14-story Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center is NIH's center for clinical research.
Patients come from all over the world to participate in clinical studies here.
Each year, the Clinical Center admits about 7,000 inpatients. Another 68,000 patients participate in studies as outpatients. The Clinical Center also houses the Visitor Information Center, which is NIH's information liaison and host to thousands of visitors each year. The Hatfield Center, expected to open in 2002, will house the research hospital's 250 beds for inpatient and outpatient care, outpatient facilities, and research laboratories. It will connect to the current building, which opened its doors in 1953.