Weekly Research Updates & Guidance
Please check this page regularly for guidance and research updates.
Last updated: 8/11/26
NIH General Announcements and Notices of Special Interest
USG Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research
National Institutes of Health
Per Executive Order 14292, the USG Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research includes explicit prohibition on dangerous gain-of-function research. All research activities identified as potential dangerous gain-of-function research per NOT-OD-25-127 and NOT-OD-25-112 remain paused until NIH specific implementation requirements are established. The USG Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research defines areas of life sciences research posing the greatest risk to our Nation's security, implements federal funding prohibitions, and establishes a robust framework for mitigating risk and ensuring compliance. Two broad categories of life sciences posing the highest risk are identified:
- Dangerous gain-of-function (DGOF) research. Research with a biological agent that seeks, achieves, or has a substantial risk of achieving one or more of the outcomes listed in the Policy and could result in significant negative societal consequences.
- International research of concern (IROC). Research conducted in a country of concern or outside of the United States by individuals or institutions of concern; or research that could reasonably pose a threat to public health, public safety, and economic or national security conducted in a country with inadequate oversight.
The new Policy explicitly prohibits any federal support for DGOF research, as defined therein, as well as research conducted in or involving countries or entities of concern. It also establishes a comprehensive, risk-based oversight framework for all other life sciences research, including new restrictions on international research conducted in countries lacking adequate oversight. Actions required of investigators, research institutions, and federal funding agencies are backed by strong enforcement, accountability, and transparency measures.
Implementation Update: NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Requirements
(NOT-OD-26-100)
National Institutes of Health
This notice finalizes the implementation of the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan. Beginning in FY 2027, NIH will require all existing awards and applications subject to the NIH DMS Policy to transition and align with the updated DMS Plan format. This requirement applies regardless of when the competing application was submitted.
NSF – National Science Foundation General Announcements
Department of Defense (DOD)
BrightFocus Foundation
American Heart Association
Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training
Proposal deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
This award is made to qualified institutions that can offer a meaningful research experience that supports the AHA mission that encourages undergraduate college students from all disciplines to consider research careers.
AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA)
Proposal deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Stimulates research at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees related to scientific research training. Eligible institutions may not have been major recipients of NIH support. Awards provide funding for small-scale research projects related to cardiovascular diseases and brain health, enhancing the research environment at eligible institutions, and exposing students to research opportunities.
Career Development Award
Proposal deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Supports highly promising healthcare and academic professionals in the early years of first professional appointment to assure the applicant’s future success as a research scientist in the field of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease research.
Within this award, additional collaboration money has been designated through the California Walnut Commission and the AHA/VIVA Physician Research Award.
PCORI – Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
