The purpose of an NIH research traineeship is to provide support for financial subsistence to an individual during a period in which the awardee is acquiring training in:

(a) Basic and/or clinical biomedical or behavioral research relating to human health, including extending healthy life and reducing the burdens of illness, or

(b) Medical library science or related fields pertaining to sciences related to health or the communication of health sciences information.

Traineeships are intended to make available in the United States an increased number of persons having special competence in these research fields through developmental training and practical research experience in the facilities of NIH, with supplemental training at other qualified institutions (see § 63.8(a)).