This page provides the UCSF research community with up-to-date guidance on federal agency policies and directives. UCSF leadership is actively engaged in monitoring this rapidly evolving landscape. We are updating this page as new information becomes available.
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Research Policy Updates
Updated FAQ: New NIH PF5 International Collaboration Mechanism
The NIH has introduced a new Parent Funding Opportunity (PA-26-002) for the Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) mechanism, featuring a linked-award structure that replaces traditional international subcontracts and supports coordinated research across U.S. and global partners. Access the updated FAQ and a recording of the latest webinar to learn more. Contact Catherine Dunn (OSR) for PF5-specific questions and Nicole Hobbs (IGHS) for questions regarding Global Programs support, budget options, and international partner structures and opportunities.
National NIH FY26 Award Numbers Are Slowly Improving
The number of extramural NIH research awards is slowly improving for Federal FY26 (starting October 2025), based on data from the NIH RePORTER website (see figure). The primary reason for the low numbers to date is last Fall's 43-day government shutdown that resulted in over 350 canceled study sections and an enormous administrative backlog.
The most impacted award category remains new awards (i.e., Type 1), which are 40% lower than last year. At UCSF, our new NIH award data mirror this national data. The NIH is working hard to process pending awards and expects continued acceleration of numbers over the coming months. This should translate into many of our faculty finally receiving the expected notices of awards.
OSR Office Hours for NIH Application Requirements
OSR is hosting office hours to support you with the new NIH policy changes that take effect for applications due on or after May 25. Have your questions answered about the new Common Forms and updated research security and data sharing requirements. Register for the April 30 session.
New NIH FY 2026 Policies
(NOT-OD-26-059) The new funding guidance provides important updates, including:
- FY26 Funding Levels: Non-competing continuation awards will generally be issued at the committed level identified in the Notice of Award. Future budget periods remain subject to the availability of appropriations, satisfactory progress, compliance with award terms and conditions, and federal program priorities.
- Multi-Year Funding Authority: A new provision allowing NIH to continue certain multi-year funding practices at levels consistent with FY25 for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other funding mechanisms. NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) will issue institute-specific fiscal policies aligned with available funding and program priorities.
- NRSA Stipend Increase of approximately 2% for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees.
Review the full guidance to understand how these updates may impact your awards.
NIH FY 2026 Legislative Mandates in Effect
These new directives cover salary caps, lobbying restrictions, funding acknowledgments, and compliance requirements. These provisions remain essential for all federally funded research activities. Review the notice to ensure compliance.
Revised NIH Grants Policy Statement (GPS)
Effective March 2026, the updated GPS outlines current terms, conditions, and policy updates for grants and cooperative agreements, incorporating previous changes since 2024. A summary of significant updates is available, with additional guidance continuing through NIH Guide Notices. Review the revised policy.
NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Format Update
(NOT-OD-26-046) For applications due May 25 and later, NIH will replace the narrative DMS Plan with a structured format using yes/no questions and brief explanations. Investigators should review the previewed template when preparing new proposals. Learn more from OSR and explore the UCSF Library resources.
Reminder: Common Forms Required Through SciENcv
While currently in a leniency period, the NIH Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Other Support Commons Forms requirements become mandatory for applications due on or after May 25. Other federal agencies now require Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending Support forms generated in SciENcv using agency-specific templates. Learn more, contact OSR with questions, and see the OSR Biosketch resources.
More from the Office of Sponsored Research
- Effective June 1, NIH will require prior approval when adding a new domestic subaward to an existing project if the subaward was not included in the originally approved application (NOT-OD-26-062).
- NIH establishes the stipend and other budgetary levels for the FY26 Kirschstein-NRSA awards (e.g., NIH F and T series) for undergraduate, predoctoral, and postdoctoral fellows/trainees made on or after October 1, 2025.
- NIH updated its definition of “intervention” to align with the Common Rule (NOT-OD-26-063).
- NIH will end Continuous Submission after August 10, 2026, and implement stricter late submission criteria. Late applications will be limited and require clear justification (NOT-OD-26-064).
Leadership Messages
Visit our leadership messages page for the latest federal science policy updates and other important Office of Research updates from Vice Chancellor for Research Harold Collard.