Dear Colleagues:

NIH is the leading supporter of biomedical research in the world. This research has had a major positive impact on nearly all of our lives by improving human health, fueling the U.S. economy, and creating jobs in our communities.

We need your help in raising awareness about the important role of the NIH in improving our Nation’s health. We are proud to be supporting exceptional science on bone, muscle, joint and skin diseases, and we want to spread the word about these exciting projects!

Last week, NIAMS grantees received our biannual reminder that press releases, videos, publications, interviews with reporters, or other communications, must include acknowledgment of NIH support. We believe that this responsibility for appropriate funding acknowledgment lies not just with our grantees and their institutions, but with all of our stakeholders. The NIH Office of Extramural Research has developed a guide to acknowledging federal funding. It includes helpful information for grantees, public information officers, science writers and editors, and all others who play a role in communicating science. The website — Communicating and Acknowledging Federal Funding — includes information on the following topics:

• Requirements for acknowledging NIH-supported research
• Importance of including the proper grant number format
• Information for researchers
• Information for public information officers
• Frequently asked questions

We ask that you credit the agency when highlighting NIAMS/NIH-supported research in your e-newsletters, web stories, conference materials, and other communications. Any questions regarding the proper acknowledgment of federally-funded research can be directed to the NIAMS Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications.

Thank you for helping us spread the word that taxpayer dollars are funding essential progress in improving the health of all Americans through biomedical research.

Sincerely,