Help NIH Rethink the Administrative Work Behind Proposing and Conducting Research

We know the grants process takes time, effort, and resources for you, your organization, and for NIH. We have been undertaking many efforts to identify and minimize associated burdens, while not inadvertently harming the integrity of the supported research (see also this Nexus article). 

From consolidating the number and location of funding opportunities, aligning requirements and forms (including for clinical trials), aligning receipt dates, modernizing web resources, and others, we take this issue seriously. Now you can share your suggestions to further reduce administrative burdens associated with NIH grants (NOT-OD-26-118). Comments are welcome electronically to our Request for Information by December 8, 2026.

Among other areas, researchers, trainees, administrators, peer reviewers, and any other interested parties can provide feedback on: 

• Simplifying, consolidating, or eliminating requirements or processes, including where reporting is not necessary  
• Reducing duplication and improving consistency and clarity  
• Better using technology and existing information
• Requirements, guidance, or systems that create unnecessary complexity or uncertainty
• High-impact opportunities for burden reduction
• Feedback on where additional clarity is needed to prevent overcompliance or assumed compliance that goes beyond stated requirements
• Harmonizing approaches with other federal agencies or funders 

This is an opportunity to provide specific input on current requirements or processes, clearly describing how they add burden without commensurate value, and to suggest how they can practically be altered to save time while still preserving appropriate oversight. Keep in mind that we may be able to implement some recommendations directly, but others will involve coordinating with other federal agencies. You may comment on any relevant areas, providing estimates of time and effort created by the perceived inefficiency when possible. 

We look forward to your thoughtful suggestions so we can continue to minimize unproductive administrative burdens.