Profiles in Science: Leaders in Biomedical Research and Public Health

In September 1998, the National Library of Medicine began a project to digitally archive books, journal volumes, pamphlets, diaries, letters, manuscripts, photographs, audiotapes, video clips, and other materials on selected leaders in biomedical research and public health. Called Profiles in Science, there are currently 16 profiles of researchers from Barbara McClintock to C. Everett Koop.

Profiles are divided into three categories:

• The Biomedical Research collections include materials related to the study of biological processes at the most basic molecular level.
• The Health & Medicine collections focus on the application of scientific discoveries to improve medical treatments and public health.
• The Fostering Science & Health collections provide insight into the role politicians, philanthropists, the media and others play in biomedical research and public health.

While the collections focus mainly on cellular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, there is also information on health and medical research policy, the application of computers in medicine, science education, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Looks like some place fun to browse on a rainy afternoon.

NIH News, September 13, 2005