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
NIH PF5 Applications – OSR Notification Due March 26
Investigators planning to submit a PF5 application for the May 25, 2026, NIH deadline must notify OSR and submit a Proposal Intake Form by March 26, 2026. PF5 proposals require extended preparation time (60+ days) due to their multi-component structure.
PF5 Webinar Recording: Watch the latest training from OSR and IGHS, which covers the application components, grantsmanship strategies, and alternative approaches to conducting international research.
Contact Mae Moredo for PF5-specific questions and Nicole Hobbs for questions regarding Global Programs support, budget options, and international partner structures and opportunities.
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, 2026. Have your questions answered about the new Common Forms and updated research security and data sharing requirements. Register for the April 9 and April 30 sessions.
Reminder: Common Forms Required Through SciENcv
While currently in a leniency period, the NIH Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Other Support Commons Forms requirement becomes mandatory for applications due on or after May 25, 2026. Other federal agencies now require Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending Support forms generated in SciENcv using agency-specific templates.
After a document is created, SciENcv can duplicate the document for use in another agency format. Formats are specific to the sponsor; choose the appropriate forms related to the application. Learn more, contact OSR with questions, and see the OSR Biosketch resources.
FY26 NIH Salary Cap Update
NIH confirmed the FY2026 salary cap of $228,000 (Executive Level II), effective January 1, 2026, applies to new, renewal, supplement, and continuation awards. Proposal budgets and payroll distributions must reflect the updated limit. See guidance from the Controller’s Office and contact OSR with questions.
MFTRP Certification in RPPR Reports
NIH requires Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program certification for senior/key personnel in RPPR and final reports. If digitally certified Common Forms from SciENcv are included, they fulfill the requirement; otherwise, a separate certification must be uploaded in Section G.1. Learn more and contact OSR with questions.
NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Format Update
(NOT-OD-26-046) For applications due May 25, 2026, 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 see the UCSF Library resources.
More from the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR)
NIH reminds institutions that final IRB approval must be certified before human subjects’ research funds can be used. Certification is typically submitted during Just-in-Time (JIT) and must reflect final approval—not pending or conditional status. (NOT-OD-26-043)
Registration is open to research administrators and the broader UCSF research community for the RA 101 training series starting April 7, covering proposal preparation, budgeting, compliance, and award management.
Effective for applications submitted on or after May 25, 2026, Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans (BESH) will no longer be classified as clinical trials (NOT-OD-26-032).
NIH no longer requires applicants to obtain advance written permission from an NIH Institute, Center, or Office (ICO) before submitting Conference Grant (R13) or Conference Cooperative Agreement (U13) applications (NOT-OD-26-040).
NSF will release a new online Data Management and Sharing Plan tool in Research.gov on April 27, 2026. Proposals submitted before that date should continue uploading the DSMP as a PDF.
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.