Why Does It Take Time After Advisory Council for NIH to Make a Funding Decision

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 (see more in this Nexus article). During this time, NIH ICOs make specific planning and budget decisions, accounting for large numbers of applications seeking funding. 

This process takes time and entails:

• Determining available funds and remaining commitments for the fiscal year
• Conducting thorough due diligence on various issues including assessing financial conflicts of interest, budgetary and scientific overlap, as well as compliance with human participants, vertebrate animals, biohazards, and other policies
• Ensuring balance with their overall research portfolio, strategic priorities, public health needs, geographic distribution, and career stage
• Considering the Advisory Council recommendations 

The time required to complete these activities varies across ICOs. As decisions are made, they often come in batches rather than all at once. ICO staff may reach out to applicants as decisions are being made requesting Just-in-Time, changes needed for priority alignment, or other important information. Applicants should be responsive to these requests, especially as NIH approaches the end of our fiscal year.

We appreciate your patience as this process is underway. Applicants will be notified through the official Notice of Award when a decision is finalized, with status information reflected in eRA Commons. Keep in mind we only notify the applicant organization and designated principal investigator(s) affiliated with the application about our funding decision.

If an application is ultimately not selected for funding, applicants will receive automated correspondence generally around 14 months after the application’s council date.

If you have questions, please remember to start by contacting your organization’s Office of Sponsored Programs and/or Authorized Organization Official, before reaching out to NIH program and grants management staff affiliated with your application. Reiterating advice in this recent Nexus article, NIH staff aim to be responsive and helpful, but they manage many inquiries in addition to their responsibilities for overseeing research portfolios and many funded awards.

Please note that although program staff may provide input on funding decisions, the ultimate decision to fund is up to the NIH Institute or Center director. As such, staff cannot guarantee funding but could help you understand the funding process.