Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Our Institute has a long and distinguished record of scientific progress in cardiovascular, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders, and the present transition affords an opportunity for reflection and critical assessment of our future directions. In this first edition of what I hope will be many “Notes From the Director,” I want to share my vision for the Institute. This vision is based on a fundamental set of values—excellence, innovation, integrity, respect, and compassion—that will permeate all activities of the NHLBI. I believe that scientific discovery provides the basis for progress and that the NHLBI is uniquely positioned to catalyze changes that must be made to transform our new scientific knowledge into tangible improvements in health. Within this framework, let me outline some priorities for the coming years—priorities that will, of course, undergo reevaluation and reformulation as we seek the input of our grantees, constituents, and advisors.