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
UCSF Submits Campus Response on OMB’s Federal Uniform Guidance
UCSF has submitted its campus response to the Office of Management and Budget's proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance, the federal framework governing grants and cooperative agreements. Developed with input from campus research and faculty leaders, the response emphasizes protecting merit-based funding, supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and maintaining a stable environment for scientific innovation. It accompanies the University of California's systemwide response and will help inform ongoing advocacy as the federal review process continues.
Represent UCSF at the Rally for Medical Research
UCSF students and postdocs are invited to apply for a fully funded opportunity to represent the university at the Rally for Medical Research in Washington, D.C., on September 16–17. Two selected participants will meet with lawmakers, advocate for sustained NIH funding, and share how federal research support advances discoveries that improve health. Apply by August 5.
NIH Requests Public Input on Measuring and Rewarding Scientific Impact
(NOT-OD-26-087) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking public comments on how to better measure, recognize, and incentivize scientific impact beyond traditional metrics such as publication and citation counts. Through this Request for Information (RFI), NIH invites feedback on indicators related to rigor and reproducibility, data and software sharing, training and mentorship, collaboration, entrepreneurship and translation, foundational scientific exploration, and public impact. Responses may be submitted electronically through the NIH Office of Science Policy website by August 19, 2026, and may be submitted anonymously. Learn more.
UCSF OSR Implements Additional NIH Foreign Collaboration Compliance Measures
To strengthen compliance with NIH foreign collaboration reporting requirements, Principal Investigators (PIs) will now be required to attest in eProposal at proposal submission that they understand NIH disclosure requirements, have a professional and ethical responsibility to report all required foreign collaborations, and acknowledge that failure to disclose required information may result in funding consequences and institutional compliance actions.
Important: If you establish a new foreign collaboration during an active NIH award, including new foreign co-authorship or publications that may constitute a foreign component, please do not wait until your RPPR is due. Contact OSR immediately to determine whether NIH prior approval is required before RPPR submission. Read More from OSR on Foreign Co-Authorship and contact OSR with questions. View recent slides from a COGR and NIH presentation on this topic.
NIDCR Seeks Public Input on Strategic Plan for FY 2027–2031
(NOT-DE-26-015) The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is requesting public comments to help shape its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027–2031 and identify future priorities for dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) research. NIDCR seeks feedback on research needs, emerging scientific opportunities, integration of DOC research with the broader biomedical enterprise, research capacity, and research operations to guide future investments and strategic directions.
Comments may be submitted electronically through the NIDCR submission website by September 14, 2026, and responses may be submitted anonymously. Learn more.
NIH Notices of Awards Gain Momentum
After months of delays caused by policy changes and the federal shutdown, NIH has accelerated grant processing, with FY26 awards now matching or exceeding last year's pace. At UCSF, funding trends are even stronger than the national average, and delayed proposals are beginning to move forward, providing renewed optimism for investigators still awaiting decisions. Stay tuned for more updates.
More from the Office of Sponsored Research
- NIH will host a live webinar on Friday, August 14, 2026, to discuss the agency's Unified Funding Strategy and provide additional context on its rationale, implementation, and impact on NIH funding decisions.
- NSF seeks public comment on its draft Guidance on Financial Assistance (replaces PAPPG).
- NSF announces upcoming Prohibition on Collaborations with Restricted Entities.
- UCOP shares resources for digital accessibility requirements in research grant applications. View the UC Systemwide Digital Accessibility Policy, the UC Digital Accessibility Resources webpage, and the UCSF Digital Accessibility Compliance Project for information and resources.
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.