This article summarizes recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) changes to application requirements, peer review processes, and policy considerations for upcoming submission cycles.
Emergency Modifications to NIH Peer Review
NIH has announced that it will proceed with peer review for all applications scheduled for the January 2026 Council rounds, including those submitted to summer 2025 due dates.
NIH indicated it is taking steps to maintain the quality and integrity of peer review despite current operational challenges. Applications already in the January 2026 Council pipeline will continue through the review process as planned.
Implementing a Unified NIH Funding Strategy
NIH has implemented steps toward a unified funding strategy to guide clearer and more consistent funding decisions across all Institutes, Centers, and Offices.
This effort is intended to support:
- Clearer and more consistent award decisions
- Greater transparency across NIH components
- Improved communication with applicants
NIH Common Forms and MFTRP Certifications
New Common Forms for Biosketch and Other Support
NIH is moving to Common Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support to align with federal-wide disclosure standards. This change is effective for Applications, Just-in-Time (JIT), Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs), and prior approval submissions submitted on or after Saturday, Jan. 25, 2026.
Key details:
- SciENcv is required to generate certified PDFs
- ORCID iDs must be linked to eRA Commons
- https://researchguides.case.edu/orcid/faqs
- New structure, updated character limits, and revised certification requirements apply
- NIH will issue form-validation warnings immediately and enforce submission errors beginning Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program Certifications
Effective Saturday, Jan. 25, 2026, individuals who are parties to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on NIH grants or cooperative agreements.
Certification requirements include:
- Individual certification at application submission
- Institutional certification through the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
- Annual certification through RPPRs for applicable awards
For more information and guidance, review the Research Security webpage and the ORCID Research Guide for instructions on creating and linking an ORCID iD.
Letters of Intent and $500K Requirement Removed
NIH has eliminated two application requirements effective immediately:
- Letters of Intent (LOIs) are no longer requested or accepted.
- Prior Institute or Center approval is no longer required for unsolicited applications requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs, excluding Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, in any one budget period.
Highlighted Topics vs. Funding Opportunities
NIH has clarified the distinction between Highlighted Topics and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).
- Highlighted Topics identify areas of interest but do not include application instructions.
- NOFOs provide official eligibility criteria, requirements, and submission guidance.
- Applicants should rely on the applicable NOFO when planning and submitting grant applications.
NIH Closed for Federal Holidays
On Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, NIH, including all NIH help desks, will be closed for the federal holiday. If a grant application due date falls on a federal holiday, the deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.