PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To support research relevant to arthritis, musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supports research training and basic and clinical investigations including epidemiology and clinical trials in each of the following program areas: The Arthritis Program supports research related to all forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic connective tissue diseases, osteoarthritis, and metabolic and infectious types of arthritis. The Muscle Biology Program supports research on basic aspects of muscle physiology and disease and exercise physiology. The Musculoskeletal Diseases Program supports research relating to orthopaedic problems, osteoarthritis, bone diseases and bone metabolism, most specifically Osteoporosis and Paget's Disease, heritable disorders of connective tissue, and programs relating to the affects of mechanical forces on musculoskeletal disease, as well as exercise and sports medicine. The Skin Diseases Program supports all forms of research on skin diseases, in particular diseases of keratin, pigmentation, basement membranes, and heritable disorders. The Centers Program supports large programs in arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. 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 small 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.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. HEALTH;
- Prevention and Control;
- Specialized Health Research and Training;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;
- Student/Trainee;
- Graduate Student;
- Scientist/Researcher;
- U.S. Citizen;
- Health Professional;

 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);