One of 25 Institutes and Centers (ICs) comprising the National Institutes of Health, NINDS has occupied a central position in the world of neuroscience for nearly 50 years. Its extramural program supports 2,240 research project grants and 85 research contracts.  Scientists in the Institute's laboratories and clinics conduct research in most of the major areas of neuroscience and many of the most important and challenging neurological disorders. Currently, 644 staff support the Institute's efforts.