PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To support studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of cells, cellular components, and the biological macromolecules that make up these components. The long-range goal is to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure diseases that result from disturbed or abnormal cellular activity. The division also supports studies that encourage the development and improvement of instruments, devices, and methodologies in support of the activities described above. In addition, it sponsors an initiative on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that seeks to apply modern techniques to molecular structure determination and analysis for the purpose of developing antiviral drugs for the treatment of AIDS. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants are made 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 the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants are made 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 the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation.

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

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- State;
- Local;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Other public institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;
- Graduate Student;
- 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);
- Quasi-public non-profit institution/organization;