When we published our first NIH Extramural Nexus two years ago, we envisioned it as a two-way communication portal that would keep you informed of key developments in NIH extramural research policy, program and activities, while offering you a forum to stay engaged in the dialogue that affects our work.  (more...)

The NIH held a public meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2008, to hear comments on its Public Access Policy. The policy ensures that the public, health care providers, educators and scientists have access to published NIH-funded research. It was made mandatory by the 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, and takes effect April 7.  (more...)

The January 2008 Nexus highlighted how essential it is that the NIH—in collaboration with grantee institutions and, most importantly, with you—works to maintain the highest standard of objectivity in all our research endeavors. To this end, the NIH is engaged in a system-wide review of policies, procedures and guidance on financial conflicts of interests (FCOI) and is also reexamining guidance provided to staff in their oversight efforts.  (more...)

On March 24, 2008, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the appointments to the NIH Council of Councils. The NIH Reform Act of 2006 authorized the Council of Councils and the Common Fund to support trans-NIH initiatives.  (more...)

NIH issued a Guide Notice Feb. 11 that details a list of new mandates emanating from the fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget legislation—including the mandatory Public Access requirement.  (more...)

The NIH Director's Bridge Award Program, initiated last year, is designed to provide transitional funding for R01 investigators who just miss the nominal payline of a given institute on a renewal application and have limited additional research support.  (more...)