The Web site for the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) is now operational at http://www.nibib.nih.gov/. Information on all aspects of NIBIB structure and operations and on activities related to biomedical imaging and bioengineering in general is available on the site.

Specific topics addressed on the Web site include the history, mission, staff, budget, vacancy announcements, and legislative activities of the NIBIB; a calendar of events for biomedical imaging and bioengineering activities (symposia, application deadlines, conferences, workshops, etc.); articles describing breaking news and events associated with imaging, bioengineering, and the NIBIB; lists and links to NIBIB research and training opportunities and NIH extramural grant information; and items of general interest (reports, news articles, other Web sites) to the biomedical research community.

The Web site for the NIH Bioengineering Consortium (BECON), which contains information on BECON activities and bioengineering-related funding opportunities, is part of the NIBIB Web site. The BECON consists of representatives of all NIH research institutes and centers and other Federal agencies, serves as a focus for bioengineering activities at the NIH, and is administered by the NIBIB. Comments and suggestions concerning the NIBIB Web site should be transmitted to info@nibib.nih.gov.

The NIBIB is the newest of the NIH research institutes and is mandated by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Establishment Act (H.R. 1795), which was signed into law by President Clinton on December 29, 2000.

The mission of the NIBIB is to improve health by promoting fundamental discoveries, design and development, and translation and assessment of technological capabilities in biomedical imaging and bioengineering enabled by relevant areas of the physical, engineering, and computational sciences. Current activities are focused on administration (staffing, infrastructure, and facilities), intra-NIH and inter-agency coordination, and development of research and training extramural funding opportunities. These efforts are being led by Dr. Donna Dean who is the Acting Director of the NIBIB. Information on these activities will be posted on the Web site as the Institute develops.