Strategic Vision

Four goals broadly define the NHLBI's vision.

Eight objectives provide a framework that help address one or more of those goals.

Five crosscutting themes run throughout the objectives and address complex areas of critical need.

More than 130 compelling questions and critical challenges reflect research priorities that support the goals, objectives, and crosscutting themes.

There is an increased focus on ensuring that our science meets the needs of all, with deeper attention to eliminating health disparities among various populations and communities across the country that experience a more significant burden from chronic diseases and conditions.

The NHLBI’s Strategic Vision revolves around four mission-driven goals:

1. To understand human biology in order to promote health and resilience;
2. To reduce human disease by stimulating discovery about the causes of heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders;
3. To advance translational research by swiftly moving basic research findings to further discoveries, and into clinical practice; and
4. To develop a strong workforce and resources by fostering the training and mentoring of emerging scientists and physicians.

Five crosscutting themes span all eight objectives and represent complex scientific challenges that require strategic support to create significant biomedical advances.