NIH Seeks Input on Framework for Next NIH-Wide Strategic Plan

NIH is seeking public input on a framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2027–2031 through a newly issued request for information (RFI)  (NOT-OD-26-047). This RFI provides an opportunity for the extramural research community to help inform NIH’s highest-level priorities and goals for the next five years. 

The NIH-Wide Strategic Plan does not address all research that NIH supports into specific diseases and conditions, nor does it replace NIH Institute-, Center-, or Office-level strategic plans. Rather, it plays an important role in guiding the agency’s overarching research investments, policies, and operations. The RFI seeks input on areas that directly affect the extramural research community: 

Priority 1: Research Areas 

• Goal 1: Advance Foundational Knowledge of Human Health and Disease
• Goal 2: Prevent Disease and Promote Health Across the Lifespan
• Goal 3: Advance and Optimize Interventions, Treatments, and Cures 

Priority 2: Research Capacity 

• Goal 1: Develop and Sustain an Interdisciplinary Research Workforce
• Goal 2: Build, Improve, and Sustain Research Resources and Infrastructure 

Priority 3: Research Operations 

• Goal 1: Enhance Scientific Stewardship and Decision-Making
• Goal 2: Foster Transparency and Accountability to Improve Public Trust in Science 

NIH welcomes responses from individual researchers, research institutions, scientific organizations, and other stakeholders across the biomedical research ecosystem. This is an opportunity for all to help shape NIH’s strategic direction and ensure that the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan reflects and addresses the realities, challenges, and opportunities of conducting biomedical research over the next five years. 

Comments must be submitted electronically through the submission website. Responses must be received on May 16, 2026, by 11:59:59 p.m. (ET).