Which federal agency is responsible for funding and overseeing research?

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is a key federal agency that plays a significant role in funding and overseeing research, particularly in the fields of health and medicine. It conducts its own research and supports thousands of scientists at universities and research institutions across the country through grants and funding opportunities. This focus on advancing medical and public health knowledge enables NIH to spearhead major breakthroughs in medical research, which can lead to improvements in health outcomes.

While other agencies also have research functions, their primary roles differ. The National Science Foundation primarily supports scientific research across various disciplines, including social sciences and engineering but is not specifically focused on health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concentrates more on public health surveillance and disease control rather than funding medical research directly. The Food and Drug Administration oversees the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices, rather than funding research initiatives. Thus, NIH stands out as the most relevant agency noted in the context of funding and oversight of health-related research.