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2025
December 25 (Thursday), 2025: NIH Closed for the Federal Holiday
NIH (including help desks) will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025 for the federal holiday (Christmas Day). If a grant application due date falls on a federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.
FY 2026 NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Programs Deadline Extended to December 4, 2025
Please note that the Extramural LRP Application Submission Deadline has been extended to December 4, 2025. The new deadline also applies to reference letters and institutional certifications.
Emergency Modifications to NIH Peer Review
NIH plans to review all applications submitted for the January 2026 Councils (e.g., applications that were submitted to due dates in summer 2025) and maintain the quality of review.
Implementing a Unified NIH Funding Strategy to Guide Consistent and Clearer Award Decisions
Today, NIH has implemented steps towards a unified strategy that will help guide clearer and consistent funding decisions across all Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). Building on the August NIH Director’s statement, this framework (effective January 2026 Council round) will help ensure we continue to support the most scientifically meritorious research ideas possible, address health priorities, and support a robust biomedical workforce.
October 13, 2025: NIH Closed for the Federal Holiday
NIH (including help desks) will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025 for the federal holiday (Columbus Day). If a grant application due date falls on a federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.
Standardized Organoid Modeling Center to Reduce Reliance on Animal Modeling
NIH announced the award of contracts for the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center, a national resource that will be dedicated to using cutting-edge technologies to develop standardized organoid-based new approach methodologies that deliver robust, reproducible, and patient-centered research findings.
New Tool to Explore NIH Grant Opportunities
Familiarize yourself with the new Explore NIH Grant Opportunities tool. Use its NIH-specific filters, sort, and advanced search options to help you quickly identify funding opportunities posted on Grants.gov.
Highlighted Topics Resource Round-Up
Last month, we launched the new NIH Highlighted Topics resource. Several new topics have been posted since then, plus additional resources and modifications.
Applying for a NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Award? Don’t Miss the Upcoming Webinar!
You're invited to join NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) staff on Thursday, October 9 at 2 PM ET for a live Technical Assistance Webinar. This session will provide LRP applicants with an in-depth look at the application process and more.
Dr. Jon Lorsch Named NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research
Jon R. Lorsch, Ph.D., has been named NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research (DDER). He has served in this role in an acting capacity since April 2025, advancing NIH’s efforts to support gold standard science.