NIH Locks Doors on Secret Grant Review Sessions
Published Date: 9/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings this fall to review important grant applications in health research. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding who gets funding. Researchers and small businesses applying for grants should note the dates in November and December 2025 to stay in the loop.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grant reviews held in closed meetings
If you applied for NIH grant funding, your application will be reviewed in closed virtual meetings that are not open to the public. The notice says the meetings are closed under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) to protect confidential trade secrets, commercial property, patentable material, and personal information.
Small-business grant panel on Dec 3-4, 2025
If you are a small business applying for NIH grants in hematology or cardiovascular biology, note the Small Business Special Emphasis Panel meets virtually December 3–4, 2025 to review and evaluate grant applications. The meeting runs 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is virtual.
Fellowship/mentored training review on Dec 9, 2025
If you applied for fellowships or mentored training in kidney, urology, or related disciplines, the Special Emphasis Panel meets virtually on December 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to review and evaluate applications.
Research panels for aging and HIV — November dates
Researchers with applications in Topics in Health Services Research (Aging) and HIV and AIDS Research should note those virtual panels meet November 4–5, 2025 and November 12, 2025 respectively to review and evaluate grant applications. Both meetings are virtual and list contact officers for more information.
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Key Dates
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