Application and Peer Review Changes

Starting January 25, 2025, NIH will implement several modifications aimed at streamlining the application process and enhancing the clarity and fairness of peer reviews. The five regulatory criteria have been reorganized into three key factors, directing peer reviewers to focus on the essential questions required to assess the scientific and technical merit of proposed research projects:

• Factor 1: Importance of the Research (Significance, Innovation), scored 1-9
• Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility (Approach), scored 1-9
• Factor 3: Expertise and Resources (Investigator, Environment), evaluated for sufficiency

Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Compliance

NIH is reinforcing its emphasis on data sharing. Moving forward, activities outlined in the DMS plan must be reported in Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs). A “Charlie" streamlined template will be introduced soon to facilitate this process.

Post-Award Monitoring

Enhanced requirements for financial monitoring and reporting will be instituted to ensure the proper management of grant funds. These measures aim to increase transparency and accountability in the use of NIH resources.

Clarifications on NIH Public Access and Sharing Policies

To streamline compliance with research dissemination requirements, NIH is consolidating its public access resources. This initiative is expected to simplify the process for researchers and institutions, ensuring wider and more effective dissemination of research findings.

Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support

Effective May 25, 2025, NIH has implemented Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support as per NOT-OD-24-163. Specific elements, such as the Personal Statement, Contributions to Science and Honors, will now be collected separately via a new NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement. All Senior/Key Personnel are required to use SciENcv to complete these forms, generate digitally certified PDFs, and enter their ORCID ID in the Persistent Identifier (PID) section. Additionally, ORCID IDs must be linked to eRA Commons profiles.

These policy updates reflect NIH's ongoing commitment to improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of its funding processes. Researchers and institutions are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and optimize their chances of successful grant applications.