PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To improve health information services by providing funds to train professional personnel; strengthen library and information services; facilitate access to and delivery of health science information; plan and develop advanced information networks; support certain kinds of biomedical publications; and conduct research in medical informatics and related sciences. 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 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; to continue support of biocomputing and bioinformatics including participation in the Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative (BISTI).

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. EDUCATION;
- Educational Equipment and Resources;
- General Research and Evaluation;
- Libraries and Technical Information Services;
2. HEALTH;
- Education and Training;
- Libraries, Information and Education Services;
- Program Development;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;
- Health Professional;
- Student/Trainee;
- Scientist/Researcher;
- U.S. Citizen;
- School;
- Education (13+);

 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;
- Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans);
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);