Perspective research direction, to oversee the development of streptomycin, to initiate the screening program that led to the development of isoniazid, and to establish work on hypotensive and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Shannon, then, came to NIH with broad experience in academia and industry. He came, too, with profound faith in the power of science to transform medicine into a far more effective instrument for improving the human condition, with the conviction that only the federal government had pockets deep enough to provide the resources necessary to realize the scientific potential of the country and with the belief that his aspirations could be fulfilled only by a talented research work force led by Ph. Ds and MDs In 13 years Shannon transformed the country’s medical research edifice—not alone of course, but with the invaluable help of colleagues at NIH, a symbiotic partnership with Senator Lister Hill and Representative John Fogarty, and the tireless efforts of the first real citizen/advocate for medical research, Mary Lasker (3). The accomplishments of the Shannon era, so prodigious that they cannot be overstated, rocketed basic research in the life sciences into a new orbit. Clinical research, too, was propelled as insights from basic science were applied to an understanding of diseases and, as important, as observations made at the bedside raised new questions about the biology of mankind and other organisms. The proverbial bridge between bedside and bench was built and buttressed. This bridge, and its attendant partnerships between MDs and Ph. Ds, set the American medical research enterprise apart from those in Japan and Europe. Some would say it was our greatest strength, and this, too, is worth remembering. Today, the medical research enterprise of the United States is the unquestioned world leader. This complex enterprise consists of a unique, and increasingly interactive, collaboration among government, academia, industry, independent institutes, foundations, not for profit organizations, voluntary health agencies, and public advocacy groups. It is preeminent in science—fundamental and applied, basic and clinical, laboratory-based and patient oriented. It has expanded its horizons to concern itself with populations as well as individuals, with health as well as disease, with ethical dilemmas as well as medical ones.

As the next millennium nears, this enterprise seems poised to make ever greater contributions to the health and well being of people everywhere and, hence, to both the national and international interest. The public senses this excitement and is being heard. Research! America’s national grassroots polls reveal that the public wants medical research to have a higher priority and believes that a larger fraction of the nation’s health expenditures should be devoted to research. Disease-specific advocates petition