Shutdown Fallout: NIH Rushes Health Grant Reviews Now
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding two important closed meetings in February 2026 to review grant applications for big health research projects. These meetings were delayed by a 43-day government shutdown, so they’re happening quickly now to keep research funding on track. Scientists applying for grants and the public waiting on new health studies are affected by this urgent schedule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two NIH Grant Review Meetings Scheduled
The NIH Center for Scientific Review will hold two closed virtual meetings to review grant applications on February 20, 2026 (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and February 23, 2026 (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.). These meetings were rescheduled after a 43-day government shutdown and will evaluate applications for PAR-23-077 (RM1) and PAR-22-180 (MIRA).
Urgent Reviews to Avoid Funding Delays
Because the meetings were canceled during a 43-day shutdown, NIH says these urgent reviews must occur so evaluations can be submitted to national advisory councils for timely funding recommendations and statutory disbursement of NIH funds. The urgency is to keep funding decisions for biomedical research on schedule.
Meetings Closed to the Public
Both NIH review meetings will be closed to the public under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) because discussions could disclose trade secrets, patentable material, or personal information. The public cannot attend these virtual meetings, which are being held to evaluate grant applications.
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