NIH Locks Doors for Secret Grant-Picking Zoom Sessions
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The NIH's Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on October 29-30, 2026, to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding which research projects get funding. Scientists applying for grants in areas like biochemistry, software engineering, and mental health will be affected, with no direct money changes announced but important decisions coming soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Multiple NIH grant reviews scheduled
If you applied for NIH grant programs assigned to the listed study sections, your applications will be reviewed and evaluated on October 29-30, 2026. Examples of panels named include Macromolecular Structure and Function, the NIH Research Software Engineer (R50) Award, and Psychopathology/Addictions/Sleep/Eating Disorders.
Confidentiality protections during reviews
The meetings will be closed to the public under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and (c)(6) so that grant applications may be discussed without publicly disclosing trade secrets or personal information. This is stated to protect patentable material and personal data of individuals associated with the applications.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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