Pharmacology/History of Pharmacology

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

NIGMS was established in 1962. NIGMS is one of the promising pharmacology research institutes that go beyond the research in chemistry, genetics, cell biology, physiology, and engineering. In the course of answering basic research questions, NIGMS produces outstanding scientists who increase our knowledge about the mechanisms and pathways involved in certain diseases. In addition, they develop new tools and skills which is being used in medical applications.

NIGMS is organized into divisions and a center that support research and research training in a range of scientific fields.

1. Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics
2. Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology
3. Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry
4. Division of Minority Opportunities in Research
5. Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

The Pharmacology Research Associate Program is designed to help postdoctoral scientists receive training in Food/Drug Administration laboratories. Medical Scientist Training Program trained M.D. – Ph.D. holder to become investigators in both scientific and clinical research. Biotechnology and behavior sciences are also the emerging divisions that aim to train the future generations. The majority of funding go into grants to scientists at universities, medical schools, hospitals and other research institutions throughout the country. NIGMS has supported approximately 4,500 research grants; some examples of the funding research are how cell communicate, how our body use energy, and how we respond to medicines. The program also encourages minorities and underrepresented scholars to join and pursue research careers with NIGMS.