UCSF Federal Research Funding Guidance

NIH Seeks Input on Proposed Cap for Research Project Grants per Investigator

NIH is requesting feedback on a proposal to limit investigators to 2–4 simultaneous Research Project Grants (RPGs), with the goal of redistributing funding to support more researchers, institutions, and early-career investigators (NOT-OD-26-086). Comments are due August 3, 2026; this is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not establish a new policy. See Vice Chancellor for Research Collard’s recent message about this proposed policy. Read more about the requested feedback and submit your comments to NIH.

NIH Enforcement: Most Foreign Co-Authorship is a Foreign Component

NIH recently clarified that many foreign co-authorship arrangements may constitute a foreign component and require disclosure (NOT-OD-26-084). Investigators should carefully review existing international collaborations, as NIH has recently requested additional information and corrective actions in several UCSF cases involving undisclosed foreign activities. Learn more and contact OSR with questions.

NIH ORCID IDs and Validation Errors are Stopping Some Proposal Submissions

As NIH transitions to Common Forms and expanded SciENcv requirements, investigators are experiencing increased proposal validation issues, particularly related to ORCID IDs and system integrations for Senior Key Personnel collaborators on your proposal applications. Because validation errors can take significant time to troubleshoot and resolve, investigators are strongly encouraged to finalize and submit NIH applications 1–2 business days before the sponsor deadline whenever possible. Read more about NIH ORCID requirements.

Update: Research Security Requirements for Federal Programs

Federal agencies continue implementing research security requirements under the CHIPS and Science Act and NSPM-33. Investigators should ensure the required Research Security Training is completed before proposal submission and be aware that many sponsors, including NIH, NSF, DOE, NASA, and USDA, also require certifications related to Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs). OSR will verify NIH training completion directly through UC Learning Center records. Learn more.

ClinicalTrials.gov Transition: Modernized PRS to Replace Classic PRS

ClinicalTrials.gov has released a timeline for transitioning key functions from the Classic Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) to the Modernized PRS, with changes beginning in July 2026 and continuing through 2027. Review the timeline and available resources to understand how these updates may affect your study registration and results reporting activities. Sign up for a training to learn more.

From IGHS: State Department Funding Opportunities & Application Support

The U.S. State Department has shifted to a funding model that primarily uses government-to-government agreements, with supplemental funding distributed through Annual Program Statements (APS) and targeted Addenda solicitations. Current opportunities focus on specific technical areas, such as health security and child health, and priority countries including Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda.

The IGHS Center for Applied Public Health provides resources and support for investigators applying through these mechanisms. Learn more and contact Michelle Moghadassi to learn more and access application support.

IGHS Subsidizes GP Administrative Costs for International K-Award Research

Effective July 1, 2026, IGHS will cover Global Programs' shared administrative service costs (typically 8–18%) for NIH Individual Career Development (K) awards with in-country activities in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa.

The support applies to new, renewal, and active awards, helping remove a key barrier for early-career investigators conducting international research under NIH's foreign subaward restrictions (NOT-OD-25-104). Learn more and contact [email protected] to discuss eligibility, budgeting, and project planning.