Apply Responsibly: Policy on AI Use in NIH Research Applications and Limiting Submissions per PI

NIH has recently announced a new policy that will continue to support originality, creativity, and fairness in the research application process. NIH has noticed that some Principal Investigators (PIs) have been submitting a large number of research applications that far exceed the numbers we traditionally expect and may have been prepared using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. 

While AI may be a helpful tool in preparing applications, the rapid submission of large numbers of research applications from a single PI may undermine the fairness and originality of the research application process and unfairly strain NIH’s application review processes.  

As use of AI tools becomes more commonplace, it is important to remember that applicants may use AI in limited aspects to reduce administrative burden while preparing applications. However, applicants should be mindful of the concerns around research misconduct or lack of originality when using such tools. Remember, NIH peer reviewers are prohibited from using AI for their critiques.   

To address these issues, the new policy is effective for the September 25, 2025, receipt date and beyond: 

• Applications that are either substantially developed by AI or containing sections substantially developed by AI are not considered the original ideas of applicants and will not be considered by NIH. 
• NIH will also only accept up to six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications from an individual PD/PI (Program Director/Principal Investigator) or Multiple Principal Investigator for all council rounds in a calendar year.  For more details on applicability, investigator roles, and impacted application types, please see these new FAQs.  

Based on historical data, we expect this policy will impact a relatively small number of investigators. For example, in 2024 only 1.3% of applicants submitted more than 6 applications. 

We appreciate the research community’s continued interest in ensuring applications submitted to NIH remain representative of their original thought and creativity. This policy will allow NIH to continue to advance biomedical research and appropriately steward taxpayer dollars.