NIH wants to create an iPad app for the public

The National Institutes of Health is seeking ideas for creating an Apple iPad and iPhone software application that will give the public access to its scientific findings, grant opportunities and news about the environment influences on the spread of human diseases.

It issued a request for information on May 31 to build a pool of developers it could tap to roll out a mobile app.

A White House memo, issued on May 23, required all federal agencies to make at least two services used by the public available on mobile devices within 12 months, as part of President Obama’s digital roadmap for the government. The mandate is likely to generate demand from agencies for mobile developers in the next few months.