PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The National Institute of Nursing Research supports clinical and basic research to establish a scientific basis for the care of individuals across the life span from management of patients during illness and recovery to the reduction of risks for disease and disability and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. According to its broad mandate, the Institute seeks to understand and ease the symptoms of acute and chronic illness, to prevent or delay the onset of disease or disability or slow its progression, to find effective approaches to achieving and sustaining good health, and to improve the clinical settings in which care is provided. The NINR's research extends to problems encountered by patients, families, and caregivers. It also emphasizes the special needs of at-risk and underserved populations. These efforts are crucial in translating scientific advances into cost-effective health care that does not compromise quality. NINR accomplishes its mission by supporting grants to universities and other research organizations as well as by conducting research intramural at laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland. The research fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations to ensure a comprehensive approach to research on illness and disabling conditions. This approach is especially relevant in research aimed at long-term care for the elderly, the special needs of women across the life span, bioethical issues related to genetic testing and counseling, biobehavioral aspects of managing the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, and environmental influences on risk factors related to chronic illnesses. In addition, the Institute supports comprehensive research training programs to prepare individuals with requisite interdisciplinary skills to conduct nursing research. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged mall business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Centers Program: To promote interdisciplinary research, offer an environment for research training and career development, and concentrate research through Core Centers for Nursing Research.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. EDUCATION;
- General Research and Evaluation;
- Nursing Education;
2. HEALTH;
- Health Research - General;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Small business;
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;
- Scientist/Researcher;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Individual/Family;
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);