Recent NIH Notices and Updates

Sponsored Programs would like to bring to your attention recent NIH Notices and Updates impacting awards and proposals. If you have any questions, please contact your Pre Award Officer.  

NIH Requires Use of the eRA Prior Approval Module for the Submission of ALL Prior Approval Requests (NOT-OD-26-026)

Below are the prior approval request types that are available in eRA Commons for NIH applicants and recipients that must be submitted via the prior approval module. NIH provides full guidance and instructions in NOT-OD-26-026. 

  • Withdrawal Request 
  • Carryover Request 
  • Change of PD/PI on a Grant 
    • Note: Change of PD/PI requests for multi-component/multi-project awards must use the “Other Request” type.
  • No Cost Extension
  • DMS Request   
  • Other Request– Common types of “Other” Prior Approval requests may include the following: 
    • Change in Scope or Objectives 
    • Change in Key Personnel 
    • Adding a new subaward 

                  Sponsored Programs previously shared NIH’s proposed application structure for projects that propose international collaborations, including foreign subawards.  

                  NIH has released a new activity code, “PF5: Collaborative International Research Project,” that allows for international collaborations, including subawards to foreign institutions. Please refer to the opportunity link for details and specific due dates. 

                  Some key details to keep in mind when considering this opportunity type: 

                  1. This opportunity requires a U.S. prime applicant and at least one funded foreign subproject, each of which will later become its own independent NIH award. 
                  2. If funded: Each International Project becomes its own RF2 award with its own PI and grant number. 
                  3. Foreign organizations must be able to manage NIH awards independently. This requires robust administrative capacity at the foreign site. Foreign organizations must complete all registrations before award, including: 
                    • NCAGE 
                    • SAM.gov 
                    • UEI 
                    • eRA Commons (with PD/PI role) 

                  These can take 6+ weeks, so early action is essential. 

                  1. The U.S. prime cannot claim the F&A on foreign subawards since they will be issued as a  separate award. Foreign organizations receive 8% indirect costs. 
                  2. The application package will follow a multi-component structure. Every foreign component must include a Foreign Justification explaining: 
                    • Why the work must occur outside the U.S. 
                    • Unique resources, populations, expertise, or environments not available domestically 
                    • How the foreign site advances the scientific aims 

                     NIH is regularly updating their FAQ page with any questions they receive.  

                    Aligning HIV/AIDS Receipt Dates with General Standard Receipt Dates to Simplify Application Processes and Reduce Burden for Researchers 

                    NIH will continue to accept HIV/AIDS applications on AIDS application due dates through May 2026. Beginning with the applications for Advisory Council Review in January 2027 (application due dates on or after May 25, 2026), NIH will no longer accept applications submitted on AIDS application due dates. Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) that include AIDS application due dates for January 2027 Advisory Council Reviews are superseded by this notice. NIH will revise NOFOs to reflect the standard application due dates including AIDS applications. For more information, please see the full notice, NOT-OD-26-029.  

                    Notice of Temporary Extension to Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) Eligibility Period  

                    NOT-OD-26-020 

                    Investigators whose ESI end date was in September, October, or November 2025 will have ESI status extended through March 31, 2026; the last submission as an ESI must be on or before that date. 

                    All others retain their current ESI timelines unless extended under other NIH policies. 

                    Notice of Temporary Extension of Eligibility for the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) NOT-OD-26-021 

                    Individuals whose final due date for new/resubmission applications (based on a 48-month eligibility window) was September-November 2025. The last submission with K99/R00 eligibility will be February/March 2026. 

                    Individuals whose final due date for new/resubmission applications (based on a 48-month eligibility window) was January-March 2026. The last submission with K99/R00 eligibility will be June/July 2026. 

                    Please note that this eligibility extension applies to AIDS dates for the above receipt cycles. 

                    Adjusted Timeline for NIH’s Implementation of Common Forms  NOT-OD-26-033  

                    NIH will be extending the current leniency period through May 2026 to provide users and institutions sufficient time for adoption, allow for full compliance, and ensure fairness for all the extramural community. During this leniency period, NIH will provide a warning when the Common Forms are not used but will not withdraw applications that don’t comply with the use of the Common Forms.  

                    Users are still required to link ORCID and eRA Commons accounts during this leniency period.  Failure to do so can result in a return without review.  Instructions are available for this step. 

                    We encourage all applicants to begin using the Common Forms as soon as possible to familiarize yourself with the process. BU previously announced training materials to support this the implementation of the Common Forms. Users should consult the SciENcv Walkthrough as soon as possible to ensure they have their access working and the document can be created ahead of deadlines. 

                    Information For...