On April 8, 1986, a few months after Congress passed the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-158), the National Institutes of Health formally established the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
Since then, this increased emphasis on research on arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin disorders has benefited countless Americans, as these diseases and conditions affect nearly every household in our Nation.
We are proud of the scientific advances that our researchers have made toward helping people who have diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin, and are looking forward to their future discoveries.
To acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the Institute’s establishment, the NIAMS and its supporters highlighted the progress and promise of our efforts through a series of activities centered on the theme, "Improving Lives Through Discovery." Descriptions of these events, and of a few of the milestones that we incorporated into our commemorations, are featured on this webpage.
We thank all of you who helped us to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NIAMS, and encourage you to visit the NIAMS website often for information about upcoming events.
Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.
Director
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
NIAMS 25th Anniversary Scientific Symposium: Improving Lives Through Discovery
On Monday, June 13, 2011, the NIAMS hosted its 25th Anniversary Scientific Symposium: Improving Lives Through Discovery. The Symposium featured scientific advances made possible with NIAMS support, highlighted how these advances have improved patients' lives, and addressed the future directions for NIAMS research.
A broad array of outstanding senior and early-stage investigators from the many disciplines that the NIAMS supports presented their work, complemented by personal stories from patients who are challenged by diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. In addition to these distinguished speakers, we were joined by the NIH Director, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., who provided the Welcoming Address and The Honorable John Edward Porter, Chairman, Research!America who provided the Institute Champion Address.
You may view the agenda here as well as other activities that commemorated the Institute's 25th Anniversary below.
The NIAMS also featured National Public Radio talk show host Diane Rehm at a dinner hosted by the Foundation for the NIH. A summary of the event can be read here.
February 10, 2011
NIAMS Coalition "Staying Connected" Teleconference — Featuring: Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., NIAMS Director; Janet S. Austin, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Communications and Public Liaison; and Anita Linde, M.P.P., Director of the Office of Science Policy and Planning.
April 8, 2011
The Institute was established on April 8, 1986 under the provisions of the NIH Reauthorization Act of 1985. Lawrence E. Shulman, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed as the first Director, and served from 1986 to 1994.
May 6, 2011
The Society for Investigative Dermatology celebrated the contributions made by the NIAMS to skin disease research at its annual meeting with a session titled "Celebrating NIAMS’ 25th Anniversary."
May 19, 2011
In honor of the NIAMS 25th Anniversary of Improving Lives Through Discovery, the National Osteoporosis Foundation presented NIAMS Director, Dr. Stephen I. Katz, with the Paul G. Rogers Leadership Award.
June 6, 2011
At its Volunteer Leadership Conference, the National Psoriasis Foundation paid tribute to the Institute and the scientific advancements of the NIAMS on the occasion of the Institute’s 25th Anniversary.
June 13, 2011
NIAMS Scientific Symposium: Improving Lives Through Discovery
8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lipsett Auditorium, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center
NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Dinner with Diane Rehm
Bringing Medicine and Science to the Public: A Conversation with Diane Rehm
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
July 18, 2011
The NIAMS Coalition “Fitting into the NIAMS/NIH Funding Puzzle” teleconference featured Laura Moen, Ph.D., Director of the NIAMS’ Division of Extramural Research Activities, Susana Serrate-Sztein, M.D., Director of the NIAMS’ Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases and Joan McGowan, Ph.D., Director of the NIAMS’ Division of Musculoskeletal Diseases.
September 12, 2011
The NIAMS Coalition held a congressional briefing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the NIAMS.
September 16, 2011
The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research dedicated the first plenary session, "Muscle and Bone Interactions," of its annual meeting to the NIAMS 25th Anniversary with NIAMS Director, Dr. Stephen I. Katz, providing an overview of musculoskeletal research supported by the Institute.
October 11, 2011
The NIAMS held its 2011 NIAMS Coalition Outreach & Education Meeting: Creating Connections for Science in Bethesda, Maryland. The meeting was attended by more than 50 individuals representing 40 different organizations.
