NIH Scientists Meet in Secret, Won't Say Why
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in January 2026 to review and decide on important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping fund exciting research in behavioral science, public health, and cancer. If you’re involved in these fields, keep an eye on these dates—they’re key to getting research support rolling!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Career Development (K) Awards Reviewed Jan 13
On January 13, 2026, a closed virtual panel will review Career Development (K) grant applications in behavioral science. The meetings are closed to protect confidential trade secrets and personal information while deciding which applications move forward for funding.
Public Health Applications Reviewed Jan 14
On January 14, 2026, a closed virtual Special Emphasis Panel will review grant applications on social and community influences and public health approaches. The panel will evaluate and decide on funding while protecting confidential and personal information.
Oncology Fellowships Reviewed Jan 15
On January 15, 2026, a closed virtual panel will review fellowship (oncology) grant applications to evaluate and rank candidates for funding. The meetings are closed to protect applicants' confidential and proprietary information.
Nutrition, Obesity, Diabetes Research Reviewed Jan 16
On January 16, 2026, a closed virtual PAR panel will review grant applications for behavioral interventions related to nutrition, diet, obesity, and diabetes. Panels will review and evaluate applications while keeping personal and proprietary information confidential.
Small Business Grant Panel Meets Jan 22
On January 22, 2026, a closed virtual panel titled 'Small Business: Cell, Molecular Biology, Instrumentation, and Assay Development' will review and evaluate small-business grant applications. The meetings are closed to protect confidential trade secrets and personal information of applicants.
Environmental Health Disparities Centers Reviewed Jan 27-28
On January 27–28, 2026, a closed virtual panel will review applications for RFA‑MD‑24‑010: Environmental Health Disparities Centers (P50). The panel will evaluate grant applications and protect confidential and proprietary applicant information.
Institutional Training Panel Meets Jan 28-29
On January 28–29, 2026, a closed virtual Institutional Training and Education Review Panel will review and evaluate grant applications for institutional training programs. Meetings are closed to protect confidential information about applicants and institutions.
Cancer Center Support Grants Reviewed Jan 28-29
On January 28–29, 2026, a closed virtual PAR‑21‑321 panel will review Cancer Center Support Grant applications to evaluate and rank candidates for funding. The meetings will protect applicants' confidential and proprietary information.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20771, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review at the NIH is holding several closed virtual meetings in early November 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets, affecting researchers seeking funding. No direct money changes are announced, but these reviews decide who gets research grants.
2026-20705, Prospective Grant of Exclusive License, Inter-Institutional Agreement-Institution Lead: Antibody Specifically Binding to Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Antigen and Use Thereof
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases plans to give Korea National Institute of Health an exclusive license to develop and sell a special antibody that targets a dangerous virus causing severe fever and low platelets. This deal helps speed up turning the invention into real-world treatments. Comments or license requests must be sent by October 26, 2026.
2026-20424, National Cancer Institute; Notice of Meeting
The President's Cancer Panel is holding a free virtual meeting on October 15, 2026, to talk about how GLP-1 medications can help lower cancer risks linked to obesity. Anyone interested can join online or send in comments beforehand. This meeting is a great chance for patients, doctors, and researchers to learn about new ways to fight cancer and improve health.
2026-20365, Center For Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The NIH's Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on October 29-30, 2026, to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding which research projects get funding. Scientists applying for grants in areas like biochemistry, software engineering, and mental health will be affected, with no direct money changes announced but important decisions coming soon.
2026-20151, Notice of NIH Tribal Consultations and Listening Session
The NIH is inviting Tribal leaders and members to join two important meetings and a listening session during the National Congress of American Indians Annual Convention in October 2026. They’ll talk about new health research projects, renewing support for Tribal health centers, and shaping a new Tribal Data Sovereignty Policy. Tribes can also send their thoughts by November 20, 2026, helping shape future health programs and policies.
2026-19719, Center for Scientific Review; Amended Notice of Meeting
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is shortening a key meeting from two days to just one day on October 13, 2026, keeping the same 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours. This change affects members of the Surgical Sciences and Bioengineering review group and means less time in the room but no public access. No money changes or delays are expected—just a quicker, tighter meeting!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22791, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 9, 2026, to review grant applications about infectious disease and immunology. These meetings are private to protect secret research ideas and personal info. Scientists applying for grants and NIH staff are the main players, with no new costs or deadlines announced.
Next: 2025-22793, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on January 13, 2026, to review grant applications about celiac disease research. These meetings are private to protect secret ideas and personal info. Scientists applying for grants and the public should note this important step in funding decisions, but no new costs or deadlines are announced.