Weekly Research Updates & Guidance
Please check this page regularly for guidance and research updates.
Last updated: 1/26/26
NIH General Announcements and Notices of Special Interest
NIH Requires Use of the eRA Prior Approval Module for the Submission of ALL Prior Approval Requests
(NOT-OD-26-026)
National Institutes of Health
NIH will require that all prior approval requests be submitted in eRA Commons Prior Approval Module for all grant and cooperative agreement awards. This requirement is effective 30-days from the date of this Notice.
NIH Policy on Research Involving Human Fetal Tissue
(NOT-OD-26-028)
National Institutes of Health
NIH is updating its current policy on the use of human fetal tissue (herein referred to as HFT) in biomedical research. This Notice, effective on the date of its publication, supersedes Guide Notices NOT-OD-21-111 and NOT-OD-19-128.
(NOT-GM-26-003)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) will host an informational webinar to provide a program overview and respond to questions from prospective applicants to the NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program T34 (PAR-26-033) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Webinar Information
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
(NOT-OD-25-148)
Office of the Director, NIH
This Notice provides updates to guidance that was published in NOT-OD-05-034 Guidance on Prompt Reporting to OLAW Under the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (February 24, 2005).
(NOT-OD-26-031)
National Institutes of Health
NIH is assessing research areas ripe for modernization and is seeking public comment on the robustness of emerging biotechnologies to reduce or potentially replace reliance on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for research. During this review, NIH is pausing review and approval of applications for new hESC lines to be added to the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry.
NSF – National Science Foundation General Announcements
Department of Defense (DOD)
BrightFocus Foundation
American Heart Association
PCORI – Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Exploring Funding Opportunities, Resources and More!
Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2:30 pm (ET)
Join this dynamic, fast-paced session with PCORI senior leaders to explore upcoming patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) funding opportunities.
During the webinar, you’ll learn about:
- Research funding opportunities for 2026.
- Ways to deepen your involvement with PCORI.
- Resources to support patient-centered CER.
Senior leaders will also answer questions submitted in advance, so be sure to send yours in during registration to help guide the discussion.
PCORI Advisory Panels: Applications Now Open
PCORI is inviting patients, caregivers, researchers and the broader healthcare community to apply to join one of its four advisory panels:
- Clinical Trials Advisory Panel
- Patient Engagement Advisory Panel
- Rare Disease Advisory Panel
- Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (CER) Advisory Panel
PCORI Advisory Panel Applicant Town Hall
Date:
- Feb. 9, 2026, 2 - 3 pm (ET)
Location:
- Online
This virtual applicant town hall will provide an opportunity to learn more about PCORI's Advisory Panels and the application process. PCORI staff will provide an overview of PCORI, how its advisory panels guide its work, an overview of each panel, information about the application and nomination process, as well as expectations for service, if selected. Immediately following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Board of Governors Meeting: February 10, 2026
Date:
- Feb. 10, 2026, 1 - 3 pm (ET)
Location:
- Online
All PCORI Board meetings are open to the public. This meeting will be held via teleconference/webinar with no public comment period.
