The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recently made available "Shaping the Future of Research: A Strategic Plan for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute." This new strategic plan is intended to set the course for the next decade of research, training, and education to reduce the national burden of cardiovascular, lung, blood and sleep disorders.

The plan introduces three overarching goals:

  • Form to Function: To Increase understanding of the molecular and physiologic underpinnings of health and disease
  • Function to Causes: To develop better approaches for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
  • Causes to Cures: To translate research results into everyday practice for medical care, health systems, communities, and individuals

Download the strategic plan by visiting the NHLBI Web site: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/strategicplan.