New NIH Research Security Training Requirements - Effective May 25, 2026
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published new Research Security Training Requirements.
Key Policy Updates
- Research Security Training Certification: For proposals to NIH submitted on or after May 25, 2026, senior/key personnel will need to certify they have completed research security training within the 12-month period prior to the date of application. NIH plans for senior/key personnel to include the appropriate training representations in their Biographical Sketches in SciENcv. NIH has expressly advised that training information will not be part of Current and Pending (Other) Support materials submitted under the agency’s Just-in-Time policy.
- Institutional Certification: In addition, the University's Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), via their signature on the face page of the application, provides the required institutional certification confirming the applicant institution’s compliance with this requirement. The certification of completion for all key personnel must be uploaded to the MN-GEMS FP. SPA will confirm compliance upon review of the uploaded certificate(s) and verification that all senior/key personnel have completed the required training.
Training Resources and Guidance
The University uses the CITI Program to provide research security training required by NIH and other agencies. Detailed guidance about the training and documenting completion for SPA can be found on RIO’s Research Security Training website.
See the full NIH policy notice (NOT-OD-26-017) for more details.
Contact the Export Controls and Research Security team at [email protected] with any questions about NIH or other agency research security training requirements.
Mandatory Common Forms - Effective January 25, 2026
NIH is implementing new requirements for Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support for researchers.
Key Policy Updates
- New Common Forms Required: The Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support (along with an NIH Supplement) are mandatory for all applications, JIT, RPPRs, and prior approval submissions with due dates on or after January 25, 2026.
Note: These forms will be enforced via eRA system errors starting February 6, 2026, and failure to use them may result in application withdrawal. - MFTRP Prohibition: Effective January 25, 2026, individuals who are a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) are ineligible to serve as senior/key personnel.
- Mandatory Certification: All senior/key personnel must certify their non-participation in an MFTRP:
- At Application: Via the Common Form for Biographical Sketch.
- Annually: Within the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). Senior/key personnel must certify annually to their participation or non-participation in an MFTRP by uploading a certification statement in Section G.1
- Institutional Training: Institutions must maintain and provide training to senior/key personnel on all disclosure policies and procedures.
See the full NIH policy notice (NOT-OD-26-018) for more details
Reduction of NIH Application Burden
The NIH has made two immediate changes to streamline the application process and reduce administrative burden for the research community:
1. Elimination of Letters of Intent (LOI):
- LOIs are no longer requested or accepted as part of the application process, effective immediately.
- This change is due to improved efficiency in centralized peer review processes at the Center for Scientific Review (CSR).
- Any submitted LOIs will not be acknowledged or reviewed.
2. Removal of Pre-Submission Contact Requirement:
- Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs (in any single budget period) are no longer required to contact the funding institute or center (IC) prior to submission, effective immediately.
- Applicants are also no longer required to include a cover letter documenting this pre-submission agreement.
See the full NIH policy notice (NOT-OD-26-019) for more details.
Please visit Federal Executive Orders (EOs) & Other Policy Directives for the most up-to-date guidance.