NIH Guide Funding Opportunities

Implementation of Changes for Basic Experimental Studies with Humans

NIH released implementation guidance for Basic Experimental Studies with Humans (BESH), which will no longer be classified as clinical trials for competing applications submitted after May 25, 2026. BESH applications may now be submitted to Clinical Trial Not Allowed or Clinical Trial Optional NOFOs. The eRA system will enforce validation rules blocking BESH-only applications from Clinical Trial Required NOFOs.

NINDS/NIMH R21 Neuroscience Research Grant Expiration Update

NINDS issued NOT-NS-26-007 on March 31, 2026, advancing the expiration date of PA-25-150 (Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant R21) from January 8, 2028 to May 8, 2026. The change removes eight application cycles beyond February 2026, limiting submissions to three remaining cycles with final new application deadline of February 16, 2026.

NIH Late Application Submission Policy Updates and End of Continuous Submission

NIH has updated its Late Application Submission Policy, ending the Continuous Submission program that allowed reviewers and advisors to submit applications anytime, and prohibiting late submissions for Fellowship (F30, F31, F32, F33, F99/K00), Small Business, and International Collaboration applications. The new policy takes effect May 25, 2026, with Continuous Submission acceptance ending August 10, 2026. Late applications will only be accepted within a two-week window and only for circumstances affecting PD/PIs listed on the application.

NIDCD Clinical Research Center Grant Expiration Date Change

NIDCD issued Notice NOT-DC-26-004 announcing a change to the expiration date of PAR-25-445, the NIDCD Clinical Research Center Grant (P50 Clinical Trial Optional). The expiration date has been moved up from June 3, 2028 to October 3, 2026, eliminating multiple future application cycles. No other changes were made to the funding opportunity announcement.

NHLBI Participation in NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (R21)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) announced its participation in the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) program, PA-25-304. This participation is effective for application due dates on or after May 8, 2026.

NCI Joins NIH Parent R01 Grant for Clinical Trials

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has announced its participation in the NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required) funding opportunity, PA-25-305. This participation is effective for the June 5, 2026 due date and subsequent deadlines, allowing NCI to fund clinical trial research through this mechanism.

NIH Publishes Revised Grants Policy Statement March 2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published the revised NIH Grants Policy Statement (NIHGPS), effective March 2026. This update incorporates new and modified requirements, clarifies policies, and implements changes in statutes, regulations, and policies since the April 2024 version.

Draft NIH Resources for Implantable Device Trials

The NIH has released draft resources to assist researchers in planning for the post-trial needs of participants in implantable device trials. These resources address unique ethical and logistical considerations, including ongoing care, maintenance, and potential removal of devices. The NIH is seeking public comment on these draft materials.

NIH Requires Prior Approval for Domestic Subaward Changes

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is implementing a new policy requiring prior approval for all changes to domestic subawards on NIH grants and cooperative agreements, effective June 1, 2026. This change aims to improve tracking and oversight of subaward activities to ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements.

NCATS Joins NIH Emergency Competitive Revision Funding Opportunity

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) has announced its participation in an existing NIH funding opportunity for emergency competitive revisions to existing awards. This notice updates the original announcement to include NCATS as a participating organization, effective immediately.