NIH Extramural Nexus (News)

Research environments free from harassment, bullying, retaliation, and other hostile working conditions are fundamental to the conduct of NIH-supported biomedical studies.  These conditions enable trainees, staff, and collaborators to work effectively while preserving scientific integrity, protecting the biomedical research workforce, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of public funds. 

We are pleased to announce that the fiscal year (FY) 2027 NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP) application cycle opened on September 1, 2026, and closes on November 19, 2026. Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to join the LRP Technical Assistance Webinar that takes a deep dive into the application process, and more. 

We are sharing upcoming NIH National Advisory Council or Board (NAC) meetings for your awareness. A portion of NAC meeting proceedings are open to the public. Viewers can hear Institute or Center Director remarks, updates on priorities and initiatives, budget overviews, scientific highlights, and concept clearance for future possible funding opportunities.

“Inside Extramural at NIH” is a new feature that gives individual NIH institutes, Centers, and Offices a dedicated space to share updates and resources relevant to their extramural research community. NIDCR Acting Director Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque outlines the institute’s continued commitment to the full spectrum of dental, oral, and craniofacial science while highlighting priority areas including chronic disease, nutrition, AI, real-world data, health disparities, and scientific rigor. 

In June, we sought your feedback on a proposed approach to cap the number of Research Project Grants (RPG) a researcher can be principal investigator on simultaneously (NOT-OD-26-086). The proposal explored whether limits on simultaneous RPG support could contribute to a more balanced research portfolio. Here, we share some high-level outcomes from your thoughtful and helpful comments, which will inform our next steps.

NIH is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the reporting of peer review outcomes for grant applications (NOT-OD-26-088). Comments will be accepted electronically until October 13, 2026.

As part of our efforts to simplify and streamline the landscape of NIH funding opportunities, we are sharing information about upcoming updates to individual career development (K) award programs. 

NIH remains committed to integrity and fairness in peer review, as well as to transparency and listening to the research community. Applicants, reviewers, researchers, and other members of the research community who have concerns about unfair peer review at NIH or potential review integrity concerns can report them to NIH through dedicated channels.

“Inside Extramural at NIH” is a new feature that gives individual NIH institutes, Centers, and Offices a dedicated space to share updates on funding priorities, policies, initiatives, and resources relevant to their extramural research community.  In this inaugural post, we hear from the National Human Genome Research Institute, its Acting Director, as well as more about their extramural funding priorities, opportunities, relevant policies, and resources for the genomics research community. 

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are programs established by Congress and designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers. Applications for FY 2027 Extramural LRP awards will be accepted from September 1 until November 19, 2026.