Your source for the latest updates on grants policies, processes, and more. Subscribe to NIH Extramural Nexus emails to stay informed about updates, policy changes, and resources affecting the NIH extramural research community.
View articles by issue
2026
What Are the Components of a Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) Application and What Should Be Included?
If you are preparing a Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) application, understanding what belongs in each required and optional component can help ensure your submission is complete, responsive, and clearly structured for review.
Reminder of Requirement for Certification of IRB Approval
NIH would like to remind the extramural research community that NIH requires recipients to submit a certification to NIH that all nonexempt research involving human subjects has been reviewed and approved by an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Learn Your Letters (of Reference or Support)
Get an overview of reference letters and letters of support: when to use them, who writes them, and what key information you should include for reviewers and NIH staff.
Highlighted Topics Spotlight: Cancer Research
Have you explored the NIH Highlighted Topics recently? If not, now is a great time to take a look and learn more about this centralized list of selected research priority areas within the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs).
Stay Informed About NIH Grants Policy and Processes
Follow these tips to keep tabs on the latest NIH policies, processes, and resources to help as you develop your application or manage your award.
2025
What Are the Differences Between Highlighted Topics and Funding Opportunities?
Applicants, take advantage of this overview to learn how NIH Highlighted Topics differ from Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). There are significant distinctions that you should understand when planning a project for your next application.
FY 2026 NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Programs Deadline Extended to December 4, 2025
Please note that the Extramural LRP Application Submission Deadline has been extended to December 4, 2025. The new deadline also applies to reference letters and institutional certifications.
Applying for a NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Award? Don’t Miss the Upcoming Webinar!
You're invited to join NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) staff on Thursday, October 9 at 2 PM ET for a live Technical Assistance Webinar. This session will provide LRP applicants with an in-depth look at the application process and more.
Check Out These Public Federal Funding Databases to Learn More About Funding at NIH and Other Federal Agencies
We often recommend the NIH RePORT (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools) site to applicants & recipients because it publicly provides reports, data, and analyses of NIH research activities, including information on NIH expenditures and the results of NIH-supported research. Learn more about RePORT and other federal funding databases in this post.
Away For a Bit? Delegate Your Tasks in eRA Commons
Are you a signing official or principal investigator planning to be away from the office? Do not let award management tasks pile up in your absence. Simply use the delegation feature in eRA Commons to allow others to act on your behalf.
- 1
- 2