NIH Hides Grant Reviews in Secret Virtual Meetings
Published Date: 9/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in October 2025 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding for health science projects. Researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions but don’t involve public attendance or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Closed Virtual Grant Review Meetings
The NIH Center for Scientific Review will hold multiple closed, virtual meetings in October 2025 (for example: October 7-8; October 9-10; October 14; October 14-15; October 16-17, 2025) to review and evaluate grant applications. These meetings are closed to the public under 5 U.S.C. sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) and determine which research grant applications are evaluated for funding.
Confidentiality for Grant Applicants
The closed meetings protect confidential trade secrets, commercial property (such as patentable material), and personal information about individuals associated with grant applications. The notice cites protection under 5 U.S.C. sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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