NIH Hides Grant Reviews in Secret Virtual Meetings
Published Date: 9/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in October 2025 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding for health science projects. Researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions but don’t involve public attendance or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Closed Virtual Grant Review Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review will hold multiple closed, virtual meetings in October 2025 (for example: October 7-8; October 9-10; October 14; October 14-15; October 16-17, 2025) to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings are closed to the public under 5 U.S.C. sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) and determine which research grant applications are evaluated for funding.
Confidentiality for Grant Applicants
The closed meetings protect confidential trade secrets, commercial property (such as patentable material), and personal information about individuals associated with grant applications. The notice cites protection under 5 U.S.C. sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10310 — National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; Notice of Closed Meeting
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders is holding a private virtual meeting on July 20, 2026, to review grant applications. This meeting affects researchers seeking funding for projects related to hearing and communication disorders. No public access is allowed to protect sensitive information, and the decisions could impact future research funding.
2026-10231 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on June 25, 2026, to review and evaluate important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding which science projects get funding. Researchers applying for grants should note the date, as these reviews impact who gets money for their work.
2026-10175 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meeting
The Center for Scientific Review is holding a private virtual meeting on June 9, 2026, to review grant applications about infectious diseases and immunology. This closed session protects sensitive info like trade secrets and personal details. Researchers applying for these grants should note the date, as this review impacts funding decisions.
2026-09947 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in June 2026 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding for exciting health science projects. Researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions but don’t involve public attendance or extra costs.
2026-10022 — Submission for OMB Review; 30-Day Comment Request; Early Career Reviewer Program Online Application and Vetting System (Center for Scientific Review)
The NIH wants your thoughts on their Early Career Reviewer Program’s new online application and review system. This affects early career scientists applying to review research, making the process smoother and digital. You’ve got 30 days to share your feedback—no cost changes, just a smarter way to apply!
2026-10021 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in June 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications related to health and cancer research. These meetings are private to protect sensitive information and personal privacy. Researchers applying for grants and NIH staff are the main players, with no direct cost changes announced but important deadlines to keep in mind.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17674 — Sunshine Act Meetings
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is sharing its public meeting schedule for September and October 2025, with most weeks having no meetings except for one on October 7. These meetings are open to everyone and can be attended in person or watched online. No new costs or major changes are announced, but folks interested should check the schedule regularly since it can change quickly.
Next: 2025-17676 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Extension: Form F-8-Registration Statement
The SEC is asking to keep using Form F-8, which Canadian companies fill out when they want to do special business deals involving U.S. investors. This form helps investors get important info and keeps things running smoothly, with just about one hour of work and a $450 cost each year. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until October 14, 2025, to speak up!