Request for Information: Proposal to Cap the Number of Simultaneous Research Project Grants per Principal Investigator to Support More Researchers and Maximize Scientific Productivity and Innovation

The purpose of this Notice is to solicit public input on the outline for a proposed policy that would cap the number of Research Project Grants (RPGs) an individual can simultaneously serve on as Principal Investigator (PI) or Multi-Principal Investigator (MPI). We are seeking your feedback on whether distributing Research Project Grants (RPGs) funding across more investigators could increase overall scientific productivity and innovation (see NOT-OD-26-086). Through this Request for Information (RFI), NIH is presenting a proposal as one possible approach to advance stewardship, workforce sustainability, and the goals of the NIH Unified Funding Strategy. Comments may be sent electronically here by August 3, 2026. 

Read more here.

Highlighted Topics: A Centralized and Simple Resource to Learn About Research Areas of Interest to NIH

NIH announces a new centralized and simplified resource, called NIH Highlighted Topics, that informs the research community about particular areas of science of interest to NIH. Visiting this resource early and often when conceptualizing your research ideas will help ensure you are aware of some of NIH’s latest scientific interests. It also aims to help facilitate innovation and discovery through a strong focus on more investigator initiated driven research.

Subscribe to Highlighted Topics to receive updates on these topics here.

NIH Small Business Program is Back!

Last month, NIH’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs were reauthorized for the next five years. SBIR and STTR applications submitted during FY26 are currently under review. Explore the forecasted NIH SBIR/STTR funding opportunities to prepare for when the application process begins. 

Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan Updates

NIH issued a new 2026 Pilot DMS Plan format to use when preparing DMS Plans for all competing and non-competing awards. Investigators should use the new simplified DMS plan format for all applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026. Learn more about the new elements and read helpful tips for preparing DMS plans. 

Symposium on Entropy and Aging

September 18 & 19, 2026, 12-1pm ET | San Francisco, CA & Virtual

This Inaugural Symposium on Entropy and Aging will explore the role of entropy in outcomes of aging, how to measure aging, and discuss whether entropy can be reversed. Speakers include experts and pioneers in research.

Tips and Tricks for Foundation Submissions for Early Career Faculty

June 22, 2026, 2-3pm ET | Virtual

This webinar is organized by the OAIC National Coordinating Center Early Career Working Group. The information provided during the webinar will empower early career faculty who are seeking funding for their work in the current resource-stretched environment.

NSC Research to Impact: Building Science Communications

Deadline: June 30, 2026

The NSC Research to Impact: Building Science Communications program seeks to grow the communications capacity of early stage investigators in aging biology by providing targeted training to enhance their ability to engage and effectively disseminate their work to scientific, industry, and clinical audiences, as well as to non-scientific audiences such as funders, policymakers, and elected officials and their staffs.

NBER READ Awards

Deadline: June 30, 2026

The Center supports approximately five READ (Research on the Economics of Alzheimer's/Dementia) one-year grants for up to $200,000 in total costs. For additional information on this opportunity, please read the READ request for applications (RFA).

NBER EC-READ Awards

Deadline: June 30, 2026

The Center supports approximately five EC-READ (Early Career — Research on Economics of Alzheimer's/Dementia) grants for up to $50,000 in direct costs, designed to support early-stage investigators, with research to be completed over one or two years. For additional information on this opportunity, please read the EC-READ request for applications (RFA).

NIA Summer Training Course in Experimental Aging Research

Deadline: July 1, 2026

Hosted by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging in Oklahoma City, OK. The 33rd Annual Summer Training Course immerses attendees in current concepts of experimental aging research. Junior faculty and advanced fellows (> 2 years postdoc experience) are encouraged to apply. Senior scientists new to aging research may also apply.

AFAR Funding Opportunities

The American Federation for Aging Research has recently released multiple calls for applications for several of their funding opportunities, with upcoming deadlines in the winter.

NIA Demography and Economics Coordinating Center Funding Opportunities

The NIA Demography and Economics Coordinating Center (DECC) has compiled this listing of calls for pilot proposals that may be relevant for the broader RCCN community.