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History
For more than a century, 51ÊÓƵ scientists and supported scientists have paved the way for important discoveries that improve health and save lives. In fact, hundreds ofÌýscientists who won theÌýNobel PrizeÌýconducted their work at 51ÊÓƵ or wereÌýsupported by 51ÊÓƵ funds. Their studies have led to the development of MRI, understanding of how viruses can cause cancer, insights into cholesterol control, and knowledge of how our brain processes visual information, among dozens of other advances.
The Roots of 51ÊÓƵ
The National Institutes of Health traces its roots to 1887, when a one-room laboratory was created within the Marine Hospital Service (MHS), predecessor agency to the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS).
The MHS had been established in 1798 to provide for the medical care of merchant seamen. In the 1880s, the MHS had been charged by Congress with examining passengers on arriving ships for clinical signs of infectious diseases, especially for the dreaded diseases cholera and yellow fever, in order to prevent epidemics. Read .
Chronology of Events
Significant events and major research advances in 51ÊÓƵ history.
Legislative Chronology
Federal legislation that had a major influence on the growth of the 51ÊÓƵ, from its beginning as the Marine Hospital Service in 1798.
51ÊÓƵ Reauthorization
51ÊÓƵ is responsive to Congressional legislation that adjusts 51ÊÓƵ's programs to meet changing research needs. As a result of the 51ÊÓƵ reauthorization process, 51ÊÓƵ is able to respond strategically in an era when medical research requires constant innovation and increased interdisciplinary efforts.
Related Links
- The 51ÊÓƵ Almanac — facts and figures, legislative history, Nobel Laureates
- 51ÊÓƵ Gallery — US presidential visits to the 51ÊÓƵ campus and historical photos of 51ÊÓƵ researchers
- — from the National Library of Medicine
This page last reviewed on October 8, 2024