STAT+: NIH proposal to cap research grants draws mixed reception, agency says

Amid intense competition for NIH research funding, the agency proposed in June to limit the number of grants each scientist can hold at once. It recently released anonymized feedback from 3,307 responses, showing mixed reception: 40% opposed the cap, 27% supported it, and 32% were mixed.

The NIH said the cap could contribute to a more balanced research portfolio and support stewardship, workforce sustainability, and the goals of its Unified Funding Strategy. However, some experts who agree with the intent worry that a straight cap is too simplistic and could become another source of disruption for researchers.