The focus of the division is to create training opportunities to prepare the next generation of skilled researchers in the fields of bioengineering, biomedical imaging and health informatics.  Special emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary programs targeting a future workforce that can function at the convergence of engineering, physical sciences, computation, and biomedical sciences in order to advance biomedical research and healthcare.

In addition to employing established NIH training mechanisms, the division proactively identifies critical gaps and develops innovative programs to meet the need.  To ensure the nation’s best talent is represented in the biomedical workforce, the division develops and supports diversity programs to remove barriers that hamper the full participation of underrepresented groups in NIBIB-relevant research.

The division supports programs at education and career levels ranging from high school student to junior investigator. These programs span activities from attracting students into biomedical engineering, to giving the final push a young investigator needs to reach full research independence.  The division supports two broad categories of program:

• programs that support institutions to develop and offer curricula and training activities to their students and trainees
• programs that provide training support directly to individual applicants