In a recent communication to NIH staff, the Acting Director of NIH emphasized their commitment to ensuring the continuity of critical biomedical research during the transition period as President Trump nominates Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the 18th NIH Director. Their focus is to support the transition until the new director is confirmed by the Senate and takes office.
The communication included key clarifications:
Clinical Trials:
NIH-funded clinical trials will continue, and travel restrictions do not apply to research participants traveling to participate in a clinical trial or protocol.
Procurements and Contracting:
Essential activities related to safety, healthcare, security, biosafety, biosecurity, and IT security can proceed.
Ongoing Research
Ongoing research that began prior to January 20, 2025, may continue; new studies and equipment procurements are paused.
Scientific Submissions:
Standard processes for submitting papers or abstracts to scientific journals remain, except for pre-print articles, which are paused. Communications with journals on previous submitted works may also continue.
Meetings and Communication:
Internal and communications regarding research that was ongoing before January 20, 2025, can continue if it does not involve public release of information. Communications within the research team or individuals who are part of the research or funding of the research can continue (e.g., meetings of investigators working on a particular project together, meetings with program officers, communications with contractors, IRBs, etc.).
Travel:
Travel essential for safety, healthcare, or ongoing research can proceed. Guidance for post-February 1, 2025, travel will be issued later.
Further guidance from HHS is expected on February 1, 2025.