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APS Science Policy Update

December 2, 2005

In this issue:

• NIH scales back non-competing grant renewals
• Pilot program will test shortened review cycles for new investigators
• NRSA tuition under discussion

NIH scales back non-competing grant renewals under the continuing resolution The NIH announced on December 1, 2005 that non-competing research awards will be issued at approximately 80% of the previously committed level due to the fact that NIH continues to operate at FY 2005 levels under the current continuing resolution. For more details, see the notice at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-014.html

NIH announces pilot program to shorten R01 review cycles On November 30, 2005, NIH announced a pilot study to look at shortening the review cycle for new investigator R01 applications. A limited number of study sections will participate and accept revisions from new investigators on an accelerated schedule. The results of the pilot study will then be reviewed before more extensive changes are made. This is part of a larger effort at NIH to streamline and modernize the peer review system.

For more information, see:

• NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-013.html
• Reviewing Peer Review (article in the Scientist): http://www.the-scientist.com/2005/11/21/26/1

Universities and Associations meet to discuss rising tuition costs associated with NRSA grants On November 30, 2005, officials at NIH met with members of the biomedical research community to discuss the problem of rising tuition costs associated with training grants. Tuition increases that outpace inflation have caused the current tuition payment policy for National Research Service Awards (NRSAs) to become unsustainable. NIH presented the community with three options: capping tuition payments, providing a fixed allowance per trainee for tuition, or maintaining the current system (with fewer trainees funded each year). Representatives from several universities presented their comments at the meeting, and views varied widely on the proposed options. APS and FASEB both submitted comments in response to this issue, stressing the importance of maintaining benefits for trainees as a solution is developed. Under the current funding formula, tuition and health insurance funds are combined in the same category on training grants. The APS and FASEB expressed concern that if this category is limited in order to control tuition costs, trainees may risk losing their health benefits. A draft policy is expected to be prepared in January, followed by issuance of the final policy in March or April. For APS comments, go to: http://www.the-aps.org/pa/resources/archives/comments/NRSA.pdf