Overview
As one of the two extramural organizational units (OUs) within the NICHD, the DER provides funding and training support to some of the best scientific minds around the world.
The DER develops, implements, and coordinates cross-cutting, multidisciplinary research activities within the NICHD’s mission, including efforts that focus on: demography, social sciences, and population dynamics; male and female fertility and infertility; developing and evaluating contraceptive methods; improving the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals for use in pregnant women, infants, and children; HIV infection and transmission, AIDS, and associated infections; pediatric growth and endocrine research; child development and behavior; developmental biology and typical and atypical development; intellectual and developmental disabilities; gynecologic health conditions, including pelvic floor disorders; and childhood injury and critical illness.
The DER also coordinates Institute research and training grant programs and advises the NICHD Director on extramural research and training policies and activities. The Division relies on its staff to represent the Institute on various trans-NIH and other collaborative workgroups and committees, to liaise with members of the Institute’s federal advisory committees and boards, and to lead implementation of extramural policies and procedures for the NICHD.
The Division also performs grants management and scientific review functions, including conducting initial scientific merit review of grant applications and contract proposals for the NICHD. With a focus on scientific expertise, the DER also develops and supports extramural staff training while enhancing communication about standardized procedures, policies, methods, and approaches across the Institute.
The DER combines the functions of and Branches within the former Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Research, Center for Population Research, and Center for Research for Mothers and Children.
Featured
- Scientific Article from Division Staff:
- Lamar, C., Taymans, S., Rebar, R., LaBarbera, A., Albertini, D. F., & Gracia, C. (2013). Ovarian Reserve: Regulation and Implications for Women’s Health. Proceedings of the 2012 NICHD-ASRM Conference. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 30(3), 285-292. Available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10815-013-9968-2. You can also learn more about the Division-supported conference, held October 25, 2012, at Ovarian Reserve: Regulation and Implications for Women's Health.
- Down Syndrome Consortium Website
In 2011, the NICHD led members of the NIH Down Syndrome Working Group, other agencies, and national Down syndrome organizations in forming the Down Syndrome Consortium. The Consortium recently launched a website—http://downsyndrome.nih.gov—to provide a central portal for addressing research needs, communicating research findings, and accessing resources related to Down syndrome, including the National Down Syndrome Patient Registry.
- Inside the NICHD
Dr. Valerie Maholmes: Exploring the power of the parent–child bond
- Meet Our Researchers
Dr. Esther Duflo: Using Science to Alleviate Poverty, Promote Health
- Director’s Podcast
March: Drug Safety for Children and Pregnant Women
- NICHD Scientific Vision
Scientific Vision: The Next Decade sets an ambitious agenda and inspires the NICHD, its many partners, and the research community to achieve critical scientific goals and meet pressing public health needs. Read the Scientific Vision.