NIH Locks Down March Meetings for Health Research Grants
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in March 2026 to review and decide on important health research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide which projects get funding. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact which studies get support and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
March Panels Decide Grant Funding
Multiple NIH review panels will hold virtual meetings on March 17, March 18-19, and March 20, 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. If you apply for these grants or fellowships, those meetings will determine which projects and fellowships receive NIH support and funding.
Closed Reviews Protect Trade Secrets
The NIH announced closed meetings in March 2026 that will be closed under sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., and pursuant to section 1009 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. You (as a grant applicant) can have confidential trade secrets, patentable material, and personal information kept out of the public record during these grant-review meetings.
Specialized Panels Listed by Date
The notice lists specific closed virtual panels and dates in March 2026 — for example: a Special Emphasis Panel on neurodevelopment, an Oncology study section (March 18-19), Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (March 20), Complementary and Integrative Health (March 20), an RFA-CA-25-002 R33 panel (March 20), and a Fellowships panel for Kidney/Urology (March 20). These panels will review and evaluate the relevant grant and fellowship applications on those dates.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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