Human Genome Research - Small Business

As a leading authority in the field of genomics, the mission of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is to accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health by driving cutting-edge research, developing new technologies, and studying the impact of genomics on society. Congress initially established NHGRI to characterize the structure and function of the human genome, including the mapping and sequencing of individual genes. This also includes reviewing and funding genomics research proposals, coordinating international genome research, communicating advances in genome science to the public, and reviewing and funding proposals to address the ethical and legal issues associated with this research. NHGRI participates in the NIH effort to turn discovery into health by helping small businesses develop innovative genomics technologies that improve health and save lives through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These funding opportunities increase small business participation in Federal research and development and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions, support technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development, and encourage participation of small business in technological innovation.