The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued new guidance on the implementation of NSF Important Notice No. 149 (IN-149), which mandates updated formats for Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending (Other) Support. NSF recognizes that the policy’s effective date of December 2, 2025 falls close to a number of program deadlines, creating challenges for senior and key personnel […]
NIH Updates on Extramural Reopening
On November 24, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued Notice NOT-OD-26-012, providing updated guidance on how NIH is resuming extramural activities following the October 1 lapse in appropriations. This includes updated and extended proposal deadline dates for proposals with deadlines between October 1 and December 5, 2025. What You Need to Know Revised Deadlines for Proposals:All grant […]
NSF Research Security Training Requirement (Effective December 2)
As a reminder, the National Science Foundation’s updated Research Security Training requirement goes into effect on December 2, 2025. Beginning on this date, all Key Personnel listed at the proposal stage must have completed the NSF Research Security Training. This training must be renewed annually. What You Need to DoKey Personnel should verify completion of the required […]
MicroLearning Monday – Understanding USC’s Clinical Trials Office: Support for Research Success
Welcome back to MicroLearning Mondays, our biweekly series of bite-sized research administration trainings brought to you by the Department of Contracts and Grants. This week’s topic: Understanding USC’s Clinical Trials Office: Support for Research Success Why It Matters: Industry-sponsored clinical trials involve complex requirements—from budget negotiations and Medicare Coverage Analyses to contract terms, patient care costs, and OnCore […]
NIH Announces Unified Funding Strategy for Clearer and More Consistent Award Decisions
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a new framework that will change how Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) determine funding outcomes. This approach will take effect beginning with the January 2026 Council round and is intended to increase transparency, equity, and alignment with NIH’s mission across all ICOs. Under the new strategy, all ICO funding policies […]
Updated NIH Terms & Conditions of Award – Termination & Court Order Compliance
Effective October 1, 2025, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has updated the Terms and Conditions of Award for all new, renewal, supplement, and continuation Notices of Award. The revised language reinforces federal requirements for award termination and clarifies how NIH will apply terms that become subject to court orders. All new Notices of Award will now […]