NIH posts modifications to proposal application and review process

How one applies and has their proposal reviewed to gain a small share of the world's largest funding source for life science research is changing. The following highlights modifications affecting grant applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health for due dates on or after January 25, 2025, as posted on their Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies page.

NIH narrowed the framework for the peer review of most competing research project grant (RPG) applications. Excluded from the change are proposals for small business and multi-project grants. The new framework will reorganize the five regulatory criteria into three factors: 

• Importance of the Research, scored 1-9;
• Rigor and Feasibility, scored 1-9; and
• Expertise and Resources, to be evaluated as either sufficient for the proposed research or not. 

In addition, NIH staff will now review the following additional review considerations: applications from foreign organizations, select agent research, and resource sharing plans. Peer reviewers will focus on whether or not the proposed research project should be conducted and, if so, whether it can be performed. More details on changes and the questions reviewers should consider for each factor can be found here.

NIH revised the fellowship review criteria and modified the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form to align with those revisions. The changes emphasize the candidate’s research training plan by requiring details on training activities, aims, and strategies as well as more information about  the candidate’s qualifications. Details about the revisions can be found here.

Consistent with changes made elsewhere In the federal grant and contract environment, diversity and inclusion recruitment plans have been removed from the NIH training program application instructions and data table forms. Recruitment plans to enhance diversity included in applications currently under review will not be evaluated or considered in funding decisions. Additional information about the training grant application process can be found here.

Additional changes include providing more guidance for the structure of reference letters and updating most budgeting, reporting and personnel forms. 

Visit the Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies page on the NIH Grants & Funding Website for the latest information on recent and upcoming changes that impact applications and grants administration.