BISTI - Recognizing the potential benefits to human health that can be realized from applying and advancing the field of biomedical computing, the Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative (BISTI) was launched at the NIH in April 2000. This initiative is aimed at making optimal use of computer science and technology to address problems in biology and medicine. The basis of the BISTI is a June 1999 report of an Advisory Committee to the Director which investigated the needs to most effectively facilitate the development and application of biomedical computing for NIH-supported researchers, and associated April 2000 recommendations of a BISTI Implementation Group.

BISTIC - The Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative Consortium (BISTIC) was established in May 2000 to serve as the focus of biomedical computing issues at the NIH and to facilitate implementation of the BISTI recommendations. The Consortium is composed of senior-level representatives from the NIH centers and institutes and representatives of other Federal agencies concerned with bioinformatics and computational applications.

The mission of the BISTI Consortium is to make optimal use of computer science and technology to address problems in biology and medicine by fostering new basic understandings, collaborations, and transdisciplinary initiatives between the computational and biomedical sciences. In support of this mission, the BISTIC coordinates research grants, training opportunities, development of associated research and training resources, and scientific symposia associated with biomedical computing. Regular monthly meetings are conducted to discuss program status, future needs and directions, and topics of interest to the bioinformatics community.

Web Site - Information available on this portion of the NIH Bioinformatics Web site includes the BISTIC Charter, Consortium members and affiliations, and meeting schedules and proceedings. Detailed information on bioinformatics research grants, training opportunities, and symposia is accessible from the Home Page of this Web site.

Members Only - The "Members Only" feature is an interactive, access-controlled option for BISTIC members to conduct business activities and review developmental information.