NIH Extramural Nexus (News)

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2026


My Application Was Scored as “Competitive But Not Discussed” During Review. What Does This Mean?

Last November, NIH implemented emergency modifications to review processes following resumption of activities after the lapse in appropriations. Recognizing that strong applications may fall below a 33% cut off, the middle third of applications in a study section were designated as “competitive but not discussed.”

You Ask, We Answer

Explore the NIH Data Book — New Fiscal Year 2025 Updates and More Are Underway

Fiscal year 2025 data in the NIH Data Book are currently being rolled out, ensuring users have access to the most recent information available.

New Resources

May 25 (Monday), 2026: NIH Closed for the Federal Holiday

NIH (including help desks) will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 for the federal holiday.

Calendar

It’s Official: NIH’s Small Business Program Is Back

Big news for innovators, founders, and R&D-driven small companies: NIH’s Seed Fund is back in action!

Top Stories

One Year Later: How Centralized NIH Peer Review is Strengthening Efficiency, Competition, and Transparency

In March 2025, NIH announced that all peer review would be centralized within the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) (see also this NIH Guide Notice). As the one-year anniversary approaches, we are providing an update on the consolidation and its initial effects on the peer-review process. 

NIH Funding Blog

So, I’m Interested in a Highlighted Topic…What Do I Do Now?

In short, Highlighted Topics are a way to understand NIH priorities and start a conversation. it is important to note though that NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) continue to fund a wide range of high-quality research beyond areas identified as a Highlighted Topic.

Tips Before You Submit

What Should I Know About the Current and Pending (Other) Support (CPOS) Common Form?

The CPOS Common Form must be used for all NIH grant applications, Just in Time (JIT), Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR), and Prior Approval submissions to NIH with due dates on or after January 25, 2026.

You Ask, We Answer

An Update on Modernizing the NIH Grants and Funding Site: Helping the Research Community Quickly and Easily Understand NIH Funding Policies, Processes, and Activities

The NIH Grants and Funding site is modernizing its digital web presence, serving as the central location for navigating information on NIH’s grants policies, programs, and funding activities.

Top Stories

NIH Awards by Month

A new resource provides a clear view of NIH monthly funding trends across fiscal years. 

New Resources

NIH Invites Input on a Revised Clinical Trial Application Form to Reduce Burden and Enhance Review

We invite input by April 17, 2026 on a Proposed Clinical Trial-Specific Application Form for investigator-initiated clinical trials. 

NIH Funding Blog

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