NIH Locks Doors for Secret Grant Reviews in 2026
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences is holding a closed virtual meeting on March 24, 2026, to review grant applications. This meeting affects researchers seeking funding and keeps sensitive info private. No money changes are announced, but the grant review could impact future funding decisions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NCATS Grant Review on March 24
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences will hold a closed virtual meeting on March 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to review and evaluate grant applications. If you are a researcher seeking NCATS funding, this review may affect future funding decisions.
Applicant Confidentiality Protected
The meeting will be closed under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) because grant applications and discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets, patentable commercial property, and personal information. This protects applicants' sensitive business and personal information from public disclosure.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12244 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in July 2026 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide funding for health research projects. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact which projects get money.
2026-12116 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in July 2026 to review and decide on important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping fund research on mice, drug development, and primate centers. Scientists and research groups applying for grants should watch for these dates as they impact funding decisions.
2026-12106 — Submission for OMB Review; 30-Day Comment Request; NIH Extramural Harassment Web Form (Office of the Director, Office of Extramural Research)
The NIH wants to keep their Extramural Harassment Web Form active so people working with NIH grants can safely report harassment. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by July 16, 2026, but no changes or costs are involved—just a smooth continuation. This helps keep NIH’s research community respectful and safe!
2026-12070 — Government Owned Inventions Available for License: Establishment and Characterization of the A1847 Human Ovarian Carcinoma Line
The National Cancer Institute is offering a special ovarian cancer cell line called A1847 for researchers to license and use. This cell line helps scientists study how ovarian cancer grows and find better treatments, especially for tough cases linked to BRCA1 gene problems. If you’re into cancer research, this is your chance to get a powerful tool starting now, with no big costs for licensing.
2026-11892 — Proposed Collection; 60-Day Comment Request; Specimen Resource Locator (National Cancer Institute)
The National Cancer Institute wants your thoughts on a new way to track and locate cancer research samples through their Specimen Resource Locator. This affects researchers and labs who use these samples, aiming to make finding and sharing easier without adding extra costs or delays. You’ve got 60 days to share your feedback and help shape this helpful tool!
2026-11390 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in July 2026 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding to advance science. Researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions but don’t involve public attendance or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03458 — Granting of Relief; Federal Firearms Privileges
The Attorney General has officially restored federal gun rights to several individuals who were previously barred from owning or handling firearms. This means these folks can now legally buy, possess, and transfer guns again because they’ve shown they won’t be a danger to public safety. The changes took effect on February 6, 2026, with no new fees involved—just a clean slate for those approved.
Next: 2026-03462 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The government is considering letting 20 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders drive big commercial trucks across state lines, even though current rules usually don’t allow it. These folks have been seizure-free while on medication and want a chance to work as drivers. You’ve got until March 25, 2026, to share your thoughts—this could open new job opportunities without extra costs for those who qualify!