NIH Resumes Grant Review Process Following HHS Communications Freeze

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is set to restart essential meetings and travel linked to its vital grant-review process, as the agency emerges from a comprehensive communications freeze imposed at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

While NIH gradually returns to its routine operations, aspects of the agency’s work remain impacted. The advisory council and scientific review meetings, which include external experts providing key evaluations and strategic recommendations before finalizing new programs, will continue. However, these meetings are not yet convening in open sessions.

Background on the Communications Freeze

When Donald Trump took office, he instigated a pause on external communications across HHS and its affiliated departments. Recently, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon announced that numerous types of external communications would no longer face restrictions. He emphasized that “all HHS divisions have been given clear guidance on how to seek approval for any other type of mass communication.”

Compliance with Federal Advisory Committee Act

NIH is actively working to ensure compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which governs the functioning of federal advisory committees. This law underscores the importance of public participation through open meetings and comprehensive reporting.

Last week, NIH Director Matthew Memoli issued a letter to the staff aimed at clarifying the ongoing communications restrictions. In his correspondence, Memoli explained that the freeze was initially implemented to facilitate the establishment of a review and prioritization process for the incoming administration. He acknowledged the confusion surrounding the extent of the pause and sought to provide further guidance.

Impact on NIH Operations

The communications freeze has halted press releases, website updates, social media posts, and the announcement of new research guidelines. It has also put a stop to public engagements and agency travel, while blocking new purchases or service requests related to the agency’s missions. This situation has led to frustration among HHS officials and the medical community, raising concerns about delays in crucial health research.

Continuity of Ongoing Research and Trials

In his memo, Memoli clarified that research projects and clinical trials initiated before January 20 can continue as planned. This decision aims to preserve prior investments in these studies and ensure that ongoing work is not disrupted. Officials involved in these studies may source necessary supplies and hold relevant meetings.

Although new research projects remain on hold, NIH personnel were permitted to proceed with submitting articles to medical journals and engaging in necessary dialogue concerning their submitted work.

Travel and Hiring Constraints

Memoli specified that travel and hiring related to ongoing projects can continue; however, any new hires require explicit exemptions from his office. During his initial week in office, Trump had also enacted a freeze on new federal employee hiring across all agencies. Memoli noted that routine travel scheduled after February 1 does not need to be rescinded at this time, allowing continued patient treatments at NIH facilities.

Looking Ahead: NIH’s Path Forward

Despite the significant pause at HHS generating widespread concern and criticism, Dr. Ali Khan, a former scientist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and current dean at the University of Nebraska’s School of Public Health, described such communication freezes as not being uncommon. He suggested that concern would be justified if the aim of the restrictions was to silence agencies around a political agenda.

The resumption of the NIH’s grant review process marks a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in federal health research initiatives, which play a pivotal role in advancing medical science and public health.