Research Priorities of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

This paper summarizes research efforts of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and identifies research priorities. The NIDCD is responsible for research and research training related to both normal and disordered hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The paper notes that 59 percent of the Institute's current portfolio is research in the area of hearing, 7 percent in voice, 8 percent in speech, and 9 percent in language. Also noted is the Institute's establishment of National Multipurpose Research and Training Centers, the Institute's increasing efforts to improve data on the incidence and prevalence of communication disorders, and the Institute's special emphasis on minority-related research and minority scientists. Specific priority areas addressed or planned for fiscal years 1990, 1991, and 1992 are listed under the following categories: (1) requests for applications, (2) requests for proposals, (3) program announcements, and (4) workshops and conferences. Mechanisms for awarding research grants are outlined. (DB)