NIH Extramural Nexus (News)

You, our extramural research community, are central to the NIAID mission of understanding, treating, and preventing infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. In this feature article, all of us at NIAID aim to support you by highlighting some of the latest developments that will impact your work, sharing resources and new opportunities, and answering common questions from the community.

“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.

“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. 

We are seeking your feedback on whether distributing Research Project Grants (RPGs) funding across more investigators could increase overall scientific productivity and innovation (see NOT-OD-26-086). Through this Request for Information (RFI), NIH is presenting a proposal as one possible approach to advance stewardship, workforce sustainability, and the goals of the NIH Unified Funding Strategy. Comments may be sent electronically here by August 3, 2026.

We are sharing upcoming NIH National Advisory Council or Board (NAC) meetings for your awareness.  

The NIH Grants and Funding site is modernizing its digital web presence, serving as the central location for navigating information on NIH’s grants policies, programs, and funding activities.

A new resource provides a clear view of NIH monthly funding trends across fiscal years. 

NIH is seeking public input on a framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2027–2031 through a newly issued request for information (RFI) . This RFI provides an opportunity for the extramural research community to help inform NIH’s highest-level priorities and goals for the next five years. 

NIH is streamlining the landscape for Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs, or funding opportunities) and the application process. We are placing greater emphasis on investigator-initiated science rather than asking researchers to align their work with highly specific funding opportunities.