Trends in NIH-Supported Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research: FYs 2009-2022

October 31, 2023

I often hear concerns raised that NIH does not fund enough basic research, or enough applied research for that matter. Basically, the concerns center around what is the correct balance. It is an important point to consider, as a better understanding of these wider research areas can shed light on NIH’s approach to higher-level priority setting and funding decisions. To get at this question, we leveraged the Research, Condition, and Disease Classification (RCDC) system and looked at trends in NIH funding of these areas between fiscal years (FYs) 2009 and 2022.

Your Feedback Sought on Proposed Updates to Research Misconduct Regulations

October 24, 2023

The regulations and policies governing how we address research misconduct associated with NIH funding are being updated. Your thoughts on these proposed changes will help us continue making research integrity an utmost priority wherever NIH funded research is conducted. Comments may be submitted until December 5, 2023.

Announcing a Simplified Review Framework for NIH Research Project Grant Applications

October 19, 2023

NIH is pleased to announce that a simplified review framework will be implemented for grant receipt deadlines of January 25, 2025 and beyond. The simplified framework is expected to better focus peer reviewers on the key questions needed to assess the scientific and technical merit of proposed research projects: “Can and should the proposed research project be conducted?”

Reminders About When to Cite an NIH Grant in a Paper: Overcite Oversight

October 5, 2023

In 2021, we wrote that appropriately acknowledging NIH grant support allows us to properly assess award outputs and make recommendations for future research directions. This post revisits the issue as a reminder for the research community about the importance of properly citing NIH grant support and accurately representing funding support for the published study.

Rethinking Population Descriptors in Genetics and Genomics Studies

September 28, 2023

Assuming that biological or genetic differences relate directly to racial or ethnic categories can lead to false scientific conclusions and perpetuate bias. Misuse of population descriptors has harmed marginalized groups and promoted scientific racism. These limitations in existing population descriptors in genetics and genomics led 14 NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices to sponsor the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to establish an interdisciplinary committee of experts and explore the issue.

Feedback Sought on Cephalopod Care and Use

September 20, 2023

Earlier this month, we released a Request for Information seeking public input on the humane care and use of laboratory cephalopods at Assured institutions. The proposed guidance acknowledges the evidence suggesting these animals would benefit from oversight, but also that there are not yet specific care and use standards to allow them to be regulated under the Public Health Service Policy for the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.