There exists an expanding opportunity to speed the progress of biomedical research through the power of computing primarily in areas concerning management and analysis of data and modeling biological processes. The NIH is interested in establishing NPEBC to promote research and developments in biomedical information science and technology that will support rapid progress in areas of scientific opportunity in biomedical research. As defined here, biomedical computing or biomedical information science and technology includes database design, graphical interfaces, querying approaches, data retrieval, data visualization and manipulation, data integration through the development of integrated analytical tools, synthesis, data archiving, data exchange, tools for electronic collaboration, and computational research including the development of structural, functional, integrative, and analytical models and simulations. The NPEBCs are also intended to create an infrastructure of excellence in biomedical information science and technology that will support and promote multidisciplinary research and provide the environment in which to train a new generation of researchers.