Welcome to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)! Founded as the “Laboratory of Hygiene” in the state of Maryland (MD) in 1887, the NIH has grown into one of the world’s largest biomedical research centers with additional locations in the states of North Carolina (NC), Montana (MT) and Arizona (AZ).
With the assistance of the Division of International Services (DIS), Office of Research Services (ORS), the NIH offers talented scientists from all over the world an opportunity to share the research resources of its various Institutes and Centers (ICs). The purpose of this page is to organize web links that can assist you with your transition to the United States. We include links for those who will stay at the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD.
Visiting NIH
Before making your journey to NIH, review information about coming to NIH, including security, driving, and parking information. This is available at:
NIH Visitor Information
NIH Services
With over 18,000 employees on its Bethesda campus alone, NIH is larger than many U.S. cities! NIH offers many services to support this population, including:
NIH ID Badge
Occupational Medical Service (OMS)
Foundation for the Advanced Education in the Sciences(FAES)
NIH Library
NIH Recreation and Welfare Association (“R&W”)
NIH Division of Amenities and Transportation (DATS)
NIH Dining Services (Bethesda)
NIH Federal Credit Union/Banking Services
Fitness Services (Bethesda)
Shuttle Bus (Bethesda)
NIH Professional Resources
There are also many offices at NIH dedicated to supporting your professional success, such as:
Office of Intramural Research (OIR) - responsible for oversight and coordination of intramural research, training, and technology transfer conducted within NIH laboratories and branches
NIH Guidelines on Conduct of Research – set forth the general principles of research conducted within NIH laboratoriesand branches
Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) –Research/Training and Career advising for scientists
Office of Research Services (ORS) – Scientific and regulatory support programs
Fellows Committee (FELCOM) – Group committed to enhancing the experience of all postdoctoral researchers at NIH
NIH Visiting Fellows Committee (VFC) – Sub-group of FELCOM devoted to postdoctoral Visiting Fellows issues
Research, Training and Scientific Resources Office – Clearinghouse for research support services
In cases of a scientific or personal conflict, NIH also offers several free, confidential resolution resources:
Center for Cooperative Resolution (CCR) – independent resource for resolution of lab and work-related issues
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – counseling for work and family concerns
Civil program to help prevent workplace violence, harassment, intimidation, etc.
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) – assists with equal employment opportunity (EEO) issues, such as discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation
Child Care
Pre-school for younger children, or day- and after-school care for children of any age, may be available from many sources for a fee. The NIH maintains its own Child Care Centers at several locations, but there may be a long waiting period to be eligible to use the centers. However, the NIH Child Care Center can also assist with referrals to other child-care options.
NIH Child Care Center Main Page
List of NIH Sponsored Child Care Centers
