NIH Extramural Nexus (News)

“Inside Extramural at NIH” is a new feature that gives individual NIH institutes, Centers, and Offices a dedicated space to share updates and resources relevant to their extramural research community. NIDCR Acting Director Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque outlines the institute’s continued commitment to the full spectrum of dental, oral, and craniofacial science while highlighting priority areas including chronic disease, nutrition, AI, real-world data, health disparities, and scientific rigor. 

In June, we sought your feedback on a proposed approach to cap the number of Research Project Grants (RPG) a researcher can be principal investigator on simultaneously (NOT-OD-26-086). The proposal explored whether limits on simultaneous RPG support could contribute to a more balanced research portfolio. Here, we share some high-level outcomes from your thoughtful and helpful comments, which will inform our next steps.

NIH is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the reporting of peer review outcomes for grant applications (NOT-OD-26-088). Comments will be accepted electronically until October 13, 2026.

We recognize it is stressful for researchers when waiting on NIH’s funding decision for submitted applications. After going through initial peer review, NIH Institute, Center, or Office (ICO) Advisory Councils review applications and make recommendations for the Institute or Center director’s consideration.

As part of our efforts to simplify and streamline the landscape of NIH funding opportunities, we are sharing information about upcoming updates to individual career development (K) award programs. 

NIH remains committed to integrity and fairness in peer review, as well as to transparency and listening to the research community. Applicants, reviewers, researchers, and other members of the research community who have concerns about unfair peer review at NIH or potential review integrity concerns can report them to NIH through dedicated channels.

You have likely come across the Public Health Service (PHS) assignment request form when putting together your grant application. It’s optional, but we encourage applicants to fill it out. This form is available in nearly all competing NIH application form packages and allows you to provide specific application assignment and review information to referral and review staff. 

As part of NIH's ongoing efforts to provide transparency into funding trends, updated NIH data show the median age at which investigators receive their first R01-equivalent award remains around 42 years of age through fiscal year (FY) 2025. 

“Inside Extramural at NIH” is a new feature that gives individual NIH institutes, Centers, and Offices a dedicated space to share updates on funding priorities, policies, initiatives, and resources relevant to their extramural research community.  In this inaugural post, we hear from the National Human Genome Research Institute, its Acting Director, as well as more about their extramural funding priorities, opportunities, relevant policies, and resources for the genomics research community. 

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are programs established by Congress and designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers. Applications for FY 2027 Extramural LRP awards will be accepted from September 1 until November 19, 2026.