NIH's Center for Scientific Review Locks Doors for Secret Sessions
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 16, 2026, to review important health research grant applications. These meetings keep sensitive info private, protecting personal and trade secrets. Researchers applying for grants should note this date, as it impacts funding decisions but doesn’t change any deadlines or money amounts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NIH Grant Review Meeting Scheduled
If you applied for NIH research funding, reviewers will meet virtually on January 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to review and evaluate grant applications. This meeting can affect funding decisions but does not change any application deadlines or award amounts.
Meetings Closed to Protect Confidentiality
The meeting will be closed to the public under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) to protect confidential trade secrets and personal information in grant applications. That includes protecting patentable material and applicant personal data during the review.
No Change to Deadlines or Funding
NIH states that holding the review on January 16, 2026 affects funding decisions but does not change any application deadlines or the amounts of awards. Applicants should expect the same submission schedule and award amounts despite the meeting.
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