Published July 17, 2025, via Research News
On July 17, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) posted NOT-OD-25-32: Supporting Fairness and Originality in NIH Research Applications.
Recently the NIH has observed a growing trend of Principal Investigators (PIs) submitting large numbers of applications, some of which may have been generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. While AI may reduce the burden of preparing applications, excessive submissions may unfairly strain NIH’s application review process.
To prevent excessive submissions and remain consistent with the NIH Grants Policy Statement (GPS) Section 2.1.2, NIH will no longer consider applications that are either substantially developed by AI, or contain sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants.
If NIH detects AI within an application, NIH may contact the Office of Research Integrity to investigate potential research misconduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:
- Disallowing costs
- Withholding future awards
- Wholly or in part suspending the grant
- Possible termination
Starting with applications submitted for the September 25, 2025, receipt date and beyond, NIH will only accept six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications from an individual PI/Program Director or Multiple PI in a calendar year. This policy applies to all activity codes except T activity codes and R13 Conference Grant Applications.
This announcement was just released, and we anticipate there may be pushback from Associations or Institutions. We will monitor the situation as it unfolds, provide updates as needed, and participate in any appeals as appropriate.