When Disaster Hits: Who Ya Gonna Call?

Posted

NIH addresses disasters that affect NIH-funded projects by putting into place adminstrative flexibilities to allow grantees to focus on the restoration of productive research, e.g., delays in grant application submissions or reporting requirement deadlines. Grantees are reminded that under such Expanded Authorities they may rebudget, and extend a grant period for up to 12 months without prior approval. Organizational needs will vary depending upon the nature and impact of the disaster, and NIH works with grantee organizations to access their particular individual research needs.

Generally, when recovery will require extensive time and potential resources, NIH appoints a specific Point of Contact who remains in close communication with the affected organization officials and investigators. We also work in partnership with other Federal agencies that support research, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Every disaster situation has distinct features and impact. NIH is committed to working in concert with organizational officials and their investigators as they access the affects of damage caused by disasters, and taking steps to facilitate the rapid recovery of NIH supported research projects.