The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is a private, non-profit organization based in the United States. Founded in 1920, its primary mission is to conduct economic research and disseminate findings to policymakers, academics, and the public. The NBER is known for its work on business cycles, economic growth, and various economic indicators. The NBER plays a crucial role in the field of economics by providing data and analysis that help understand economic trends. It is also responsible for officially determining the dates of recessions and expansions in the U.S. economy, making its research vital for economic policy and planning.