NIH Scientists Huddle Virtually on Grants
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The Center for Scientific Review at the NIH is holding several closed virtual meetings in October 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets, ensuring fair and confidential decisions. Scientists applying for grants in genetics, molecular sciences, oral health, and cancer research are the ones affected, with no direct cost changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Closed grant-review meetings protect secrets
The NIH Center for Scientific Review will hold closed meetings on October 14-16, 2026 to review and evaluate grant applications. The notice says these meetings are closed under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) to protect confidential trade secrets, patentable material, and personal information of people linked to applications. If you are a scientist with a grant application in the listed study sections, your application details will be kept confidential and the notice does not announce any direct cost changes.
Grant review panels will meet virtually
The notice states each listed study section will hold a virtual meeting (Meeting Format: Virtual Meeting) on dates between October 14 and October 16, 2026. If you are a reviewer or otherwise involved in those panels, the meetings are scheduled as online/virtual rather than in-person.
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Key Dates
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