Responding to Frequent Questions on Flexibilities Related to NIH Funding and COVID-19

March 26, 2020

The public health emergency due to COVID-19 is causing difficulties in many aspects of our lives. My colleagues and I here at NIH are well aware of the challenges being felt in the research community as institutions are closing, people are being asked to practice social distancing, and resources and attention are justifiably focused on public health needs. We recently updated our website with a slew of additional FAQs, new funding opportunities, as well as a video message from me, where I address some of the most common questions.

Special OLAW Webinar on March 19: Pandemic Contingency Planning and Its Impact on Animal Care

March 17, 2020

Are you testing or implementing your institution’s pandemic response plan for the first time? Do you have questions about flexibilities provided by the PHS Policy that may be helpful during a pandemic? All PHS-assured institutions are required to develop disaster plans that account for both the well-being of animals and consideration of personnel during unexpected events … Continue reading “Special OLAW Webinar on March 19: Pandemic Contingency Planning and Its Impact on Animal Care”

Flexibilities for Assured Institutions for Activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) Due to COVID-19

March 17, 2020

The NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is deeply concerned about the impact of the expanding outbreak of the respiratory illness, COVID-19, on the ability of Assured institutions to support the well-being of animals and personnel during this public health emergency. See NOT-OD-20-088 for flexibilities provided in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and … Continue reading “Flexibilities for Assured Institutions for Activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) Due to COVID-19”

Important Reminder: Revised Deadlines for Continuous Submission

March 3, 2020

The NIH Center for Scientific Review recently updated the continuous submission policy. Among the changes are revised cut-off dates for assignment to advisory council rounds. For example, applications submitted under the continuous submission policy for the standard February and March R01, R21 or R34 due dates must now be submitted by April 10 and applications … Continue reading “Important Reminder: Revised Deadlines for Continuous Submission”

New Certificates of Confidentiality System for Non-NIH Funded Research

March 3, 2020

Certificates of Confidentiality protect identifiable, sensitive research information from disclosure. While Certificates of Confidentiality are issued automatically for NIH-funded research, non-NIH funded research that collects identifiable, sensitive information can request a certificate. NIH has updated its Certificate of Confidentiality request process for non-NIH funded research through a new online system.

Preparing for Updated Application Forms (FORMS-F)

March 3, 2020

Although the FORMS-F version of our grant application forms won’t be used until due dates on or after May 25, 2020, preparation for their use is well underway. Whether choosing between FORMS-E and FORMS-F application packages on non-parent FOAs or selecting the appropriate parent announcement, carefully select the correct version for your intended due date.