The purpose of the NIH Research Conference Grant Program (R13 and U13) is to support high quality conferences/scientific meetings that are relevant to the scientific mission of the NIH and to the public health. A conference/scientific meeting is defined as a gathering, symposium, seminar, scientific meeting, workshop or any other organized, formal meeting where persons assemble to coordinate, exchange, and disseminate information or to explore or clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge. Each NIH Institute and Center (IC) has a scientific purview and different program goals and initiatives that evolve over time. Prior to preparing an application, it is critical that all applicants consult the appropriate IC representative listed in the R13/U13 Web site (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r13/) to obtain current information about IC specific program priorities and policies. This action is of utmost importance because applications with marginal or no relevance to the participating Institutes will not be accepted for review or possible funding. In addition, applicants are encouraged to consult the Frequently Asked Questions Web site for more detailed information about this program: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r13/index.htm.