This 23-page scientific report describes the NICHD's plans for supporting research to better understand developmental processes involved in forming cognitive, learning, emotional, social, and physical behaviors, and the biological and environmental factors that make infants, children, and adolescents, more susceptible to behavioral disorders or to adopting risk-taking or violent behaviors. The information in this plan was current at the date of publication, but has not been updated. The document is provided for historical purposes only.

In December 2001, the Office of the Surgeon General, in conjunction with the NICHD, held a national conference to identify important issues in health and mental retardation, and to develop and action plan to address these issues. This 36-page scientific report describes topics discussed at the workshop, including disparities and diversity, identifying problems, setting an agenda and realizing goals, dual diagnosis research agenda, and federal initiatives on disabilities. The information in this report was current at the date of publication, but has not been updated. The document is provided for historical purposes only.

This 13-page scientific report describes the NICHD's plan to support research on the basic biological science necessary to understand early development in utero through the time when many organ systems form. The information in this plan was current at the date of publication, but has not been updated. The document is provided for historical purposes only.

This 70-page scientific Plan outlines Down syndrome research goals and objectives for NIH Institutes, including the NICHD, that support and conduct research related to Down syndrome and its associated disorders. The Plan was developed by the NIH Down Syndrome Working Group, which includes representatives from 11 NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices; the Working Group consulted with the scientific, family, and advocacy communities in drafting this Plan; a public comment period helped to further define the Plan.

This 37-page scientific report describes the overall plan for many of the NICHD's scientific initiatives. The plan focuses on areas of major scientific opportunities, including developmental biology, biobehavioral development, reproductive health, genetics of disease susceptibility, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and outlines research technologies and resources and education and training related to these topics. The information in this report was current at the date of publication, but has not been updated. The document is provided for historical purposes only.

This 17-page scientific plan describes the NICHD's plan for supporting research on the interaction of the genotype with socioeconomic, environmental, and psychological factors in the fetal and postnatal environment that contribute to health or to the pathophysiology of diseases. The information in this plan was current at the date of publication, but has not been updated. The document is provided for historical purposes only.

This fact sheet describes the NICHD's Human Placenta Project, a research effort aimed at understanding the placenta. The Project aims to develop tools and methods to safely study the placenta in real-time to learn more about this link between mother and fetus. Findings from the Human Placenta Project could enable health care providers to fix problems with the placenta before they negatively affect a pregnancy.

This 1-page handout lists NICHD extramural branches and centers that fund neuroscience research, describes areas of research each supports, and provides contact information.

This 48-page report outlines research directions and priorities for NICHD for the next 5 years. Research themes include: understanding the molecular, cellular, and structural basis of development; promoting gynecologic, andrologic, and reproductive health; setting the foundation for healthy pregnancies and lifelong wellness; improving child and adolescent health and the transition to adulthood; and advancing safe and effective therapeutics and devices for pregnant and lactating women, children, and people with disabilities. The plan also include cross-cutting themes, aspirational goals, and scientific stewardship activities. This document is provided for reference only. It is no longer being updated.

The NICHD Strategic Plan 2025 builds upon the institute's 2020 plan to outline scientific research goals and objectives for the next five years. The 52-page plan includes five broad scientific goals, multiple cross-cutting themes, aspirational goals, and activities to address capacity building, scientific stewardship, management, and accountability. It also features scientific images from research conducted and supported by NICHD.