NIH Extramural Nexus (News)

NIH plans to review all applications submitted for the January 2026 Councils (e.g., applications that were submitted to due dates in summer 2025) and maintain the quality of review.

Today, NIH has implemented steps towards a unified strategy that will help guide clearer and consistent funding decisions across all Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). Building on the August NIH Director’s statement, this framework (effective January 2026 Council round) will help ensure we continue to support the most scientifically meritorious research ideas possible, address health priorities, and support a robust biomedical workforce.

NIH (including help desks) will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025 for the federal holiday (Columbus Day). If a grant application due date falls on a federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.

NIH announced the award of contracts for the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center, a national resource that will be dedicated to using cutting-edge technologies to develop standardized organoid-based new approach methodologies that deliver robust, reproducible, and patient-centered research findings.

Familiarize yourself with the new Explore NIH Grant Opportunities tool. Use its NIH-specific filters, sort, and advanced search options to help you quickly identify funding opportunities posted on Grants.gov.

Last month, we launched the new NIH Highlighted Topics resource. Several new topics have been posted since then, plus additional resources and modifications.

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.

Jon R. Lorsch, Ph.D., has been named NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research (DDER). He has served in this role in an acting capacity since April 2025, advancing NIH’s efforts to support gold standard science. 

NIH announced a new application and award structure last week for applications that request funding for international component organizations. Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2026, competing applications must be in response to a funding opportunity using a new grant type when requesting NIH funding for one or more foreign components.

Now is the time for signing officials to verify the accuracy of their grant assignments to departments or components within institutions of higher education in eRA Commons. Any corrections must be made by 8:00 PM EDT on Monday, October 6, 2025, to be reflected in NIH annual reports.