August 19, 2025
In a significant move, the director of the National Institutes of Health has mandated a thorough evaluation of all ongoing and proposed research projects. This directive, which encompasses active grants and funding opportunities, has emerged amidst rising concerns that the NIH may not allocate its entire budget before the conclusion of the federal fiscal year on September 30, potentially resulting in unspent funds reverting to the U.S. Treasury.
According to documents shared by a confidential source, NIH director Jay Bhattacharya issued this memo on Friday, with immediate effect. The memo stipulates that designated NIH staff must scrutinize a variety of research-related activities, including grants, funding announcements, contracts, applications for new and competing renewal awards, intramural research, and cooperative agreements.
Earlier reports highlighted the implications of this review, emphasizing its potential impact on the future of NIH-funded research.
This directive is part of a broader communication in which Bhattacharya delineated specific agency priorities. He indicated that projects not aligned with these priorities could face restrictions, pauses, or even termination. Key areas of focus include advancements in artificial intelligence, enhancing understanding of autism, and ensuring evidence-based healthcare for transgender youth.
In response to inquiries regarding the necessity of this review, the NIH press team provided a public statement from Bhattacharya, outlining the agency’s priorities.
On the topic of healthcare for transgender youth, Bhattacharya remarked that there are more promising research avenues to explore that could enhance the health of these populations, rather than focusing on studies involving puberty suppression, hormone therapy, or surgical interventions. He emphasized the importance of research aimed at identifying and addressing the potential harms of these treatments, ensuring that individuals can lead long and healthy lives.
This directive follows a recent order from President Trump, who instructed senior officials at federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of discretionary grants to ensure alignment with agency priorities.
Joanne Padrón Carney, the chief government relations officer for a prominent scientific organization, expressed concerns about the timing of this review. She noted that the president’s budget request for fiscal year 2026 had already established priorities for the current year.
“Changing direction at this point creates confusion, undermines trust, and raises concerns within the scientific community,” Carney stated. “This approach risks the impoundment of funds that Congress has appropriated, rather than supporting essential biomedical research that benefits public health.”
Editorial Webcast
Discover insights into how Chief Business Officers perceive critical issues such as financial stability, campus planning, and affordability.
