NIH Closes Doors on Boring Grant Review Meetings
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in late April 2026 to review and evaluate important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding which research projects get funding. Scientists and research teams applying for grants will be affected, with no direct cost changes but key decisions happening soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Grant Applications Reviewed on Specific April Dates
Multiple NIH review panels will virtually review and evaluate grant applications on scheduled dates (for example, April 29-30, 2026 and April 30-May 1, 2026). Scientists and research teams who applied for these grants will have their applications considered on those dates, and funding decisions will be made following these reviews.
Early-Stage Investigator Award Panel Dates
A Special Emphasis Panel will review PAR-23-145 — the Maximizing Investigators' Research Award for Early Stage Investigators — on April 30 to May 1, 2026. Early stage investigators who applied to PAR-23-145 will have their applications evaluated on those dates.
Closed Meetings Protect Applicant Privacy
NIH is holding closed meetings under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) so grant applications and discussions that could disclose confidential trade secrets, patentable material, or personal information remain private. This protects applicants' commercially sensitive information and personal data during the review process.
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Key Dates
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