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
NIH Seeks Input on Framework for Next NIH-Wide Strategic Plan
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’s Path to a Simpler Funding Opportunity Landscape
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.
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.
Feedback Wanted - Developing the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031
NIH seeks community feedback through two webinars on the next agency-wide strategic plan. This plan will guide our work over the next five years to fulfill our mission for the American people. Input from the research community, stakeholders, and the public is essential to ensure transparency in what we do and advance the principles of gold standard science that we all apply to our daily work.
Make a Perfect Pair with NIH Matchmaker
Our Matchmaker tool in RePORTER can help you determine which institute or center may be interested in your idea, which NIH program official you may want to contact, and which study section you might suggest for application review.
How Can I Find Funding Opportunities Now That They Are Not in the NIH Guide?
You have two options to find Notices of Funding Opportunities: search on Grants.gov or use NIH’s new Explore NIH Opportunities tool. The NIH tool includes additional options for NIH-specific filters, sorting, and advanced search.
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.
NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Programs Guide Notices Available
The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are programs established by Congress and designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers. Extramural LRP applications will be accepted from September 1 until November 20, 2025.
Announcing the NIH Autism Data Science Initiative Research Opportunity
Today, NIH released a Research Opportunity Announcement for the Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI). We are spotlighting this other transaction here as it is a high priority for leadership within NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It also encompasses several efforts of general interest for NIH supported research including supporting data resources, participant privacy, and research replicability/validation.