Fostering advances in emerging medical technologies

Rarely does a scientific discovery lead directly to a new medical device technology (the outstanding exception is X-rays). Medical device technologies typically emerge as adaptations or modifications of technologies developed for other purposes. Research grant programs of the National Science Foundation (NSF) foster advances in emerging medical technologies while simultaneously helping to sustain and strengthen the USA´s science, mathematics and engineering capabilities. Conferences and workshops produce state-of-the-art information that guides the NSF and the research community in the planning and assessment of emerging research opportunities. Industry-university partnerships are encouraged and supported. The NSF research portfolio correlates well with the findings of the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)