The below information covers updates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will affect submissions beginning Fall 2025. In addition, there is a reminder about NIH R16 eligibility.
Submissions to the NIH:
On July 17, 2025, the NIH released addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in grant preparations and introduces new limits on the number of applications the NIH will accept per Principal Investigator (PI) annually.
AI Use in Applications:
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NIH emphasizes that while AI tools may assist in limited aspects of application preparation, applications substantially developed by AI will not be considered original and may be deemed non-compliant.
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Use of AI that results in plagiarism, fabricated citations, or other misconduct may lead to serious consequences, including referral to the Office of Research Integrity.
Application Submission Limits:
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Effective September 25, 2025, the NIH will only accept six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications per calendar year from an individual PI or Multiple PI. This policy applies to all activity codes except T-series training grants and R13 conference grants.
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The limit does not apply retroactively to applications submitted prior to September 25, 2025. Applications submitted between January 1 and September 24 do not count toward the 2025 total.
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Starting January 1, 2026, the full calendar-year cap will apply without exception.
What action is needed?
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Track the number of applications on which you are PI or MPI. Carefully consider your role on NIH proposals based on the scope of the project and the contributions of the investigators.
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Be mindful of your use of AI in grant writing. Even if AI is used as a tool during the proposal development process, ensure the final product is in your own words. Be wary of AI-suggested wording changes during the final edit as these may raise flags during an AI-scanned application intake.
Special Information Regarding NIH R16s:
On June 13, 2025, the NIH reissued the R16 Program Announcements for Support for Research Excellence First Independent Research (SuRE-First) Award (R16 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) () and Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) Award (R16 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) () with a deadline of September 29. This is the final opportunity for 98ÌÃ researchers to apply for an R16, as the University will no longer be eligible by the time of the next (May 2026) deadline.
Submissions to the NSF:
On July 10, 2025, the NSF issued regarding research security. Many of the requirements of the notice are satisfied by the timely completion of the University required Research Security Training found in the 98ÌÃ Research Portal.
The notice also requires that institutions maintain documentation of any contracts, grants, or any other agreements specific to foreign appointments, employment with a foreign institution, and participation in a foreign talent recruitment program. This includes documentation of awards directly between an individual faculty member and a foreign entity. This information must be reported on the individual’s Current & Pending Support document during proposal submission.
As the NSF notice requires the agreements be on file for review upon request of the NSF, the Proposal Transmittal Form (ePTF) will soon include a required question and upload field for key personnel to upload this documentation. Key personnel with active NSF awards will be contacted to disclose any current agreements with foreign entities.
The Division of Research & Economic Development will provide additional information as we approach the October 10, 2025 effective date. In addition to regular updates, workshops and webinars will be offered to assist the University community in maintaining compliance with this new requirement.
What action is needed?
In preparation for this new requirement, individuals who are key personnel on active NSF awards or who plan to be key personnel on NSF proposals should gather their individual agreements to be prepared for disclosure in accordance with the new requirement.