Advisory Council Minutes, September 10, 2026

The National Advisory General Medical Sciences (NAGMS) Council convened remotely for its 192nd meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Erica Brown, Ph.D., Acting Director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), presided as meeting chair. After an open session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the closed session of September 2026 Council convened from 1:15 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Council Members Attending Remotely

Natalie G. Ahn, Ph.D.
Eric Alani, Ph.D.
Jonathan Baker, Ph.D.
Julie Bastarache, M.D.
Sudha Chakrapani, Ph.D.
Melinda K. Duncan, Ph.D.
Neil Garg, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Gavis, M.D., Ph.D.
Brent L. Iverson, Ph.D.
Laurie Kilpatrick, Ph.D.
L. Andrew Lee, Ph.D.
Gerald Marschke, Ph.D.
Sarah Michel, Ph.D.
Lucy Erin O’Brien, Ph.D.
Christopher W. Seymour, M.D., M.Sc.
Donald K. Warne, M.D., M.P.H.
Leyte Winfield, Ph.D.

Council roster (available from NIGMS)

Ex-Officio Member Attending Remotely

Ronald M. Przygodzki, M.D.
Director, Genomic Medicine
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Office of Research and Development
Washington, DC 20420

Ad Hoc Council Participants Attending Remotely

Matthew Beyersdorf, Ph.D.
Patent Attorney
BioNTech
Cambridge, MA 02139

Stephen Cutler, Ph.D.
Vice President for Economic Development
Dean and Professor
College of Pharmacy
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

Erin L. Dolan, Ph.D.
Professor
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Georgia Athletic Association Professor of Innovative Science Education
Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602

Lesilee Rose, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Biological Sciences
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616

Early Career Investigator Ad Hoc Council Participants Attending Remotely

Anum Glasgow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032

Emily L. Spaulding, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
George Wojtech Chair in Neurobiology
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Members of the Public Attending Remotely

Not tracked because meeting was available via unrestricted NIH Videocast.

OPEN SESSION OF THE MEETING

I. Call to Order and Opening Remarks

Dr. Brown welcomed Council members and guests. Council members approved the minutes from the May 21, 2026 meeting.

II. Future Meeting Dates

Council confirmed the following dates for future meetings:

February 4, 2027 (virtual)
May 20, 2027 (in person)
September 16, 2027 (virtual)

III. Review of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Procedures

Dr. Brown explained policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and avoidance of conflict-of-interest situations to Council members.

IV. NIGMS Director’s Report (NIH Videocast @ 13:08)

PDF Icon. Erica Brown Council Presentation Slides

 

Dr. Brown announced Councilor and NIGMS staff transitions.

Dr. Brown highlighted NIH-wide policy updates including:

  • NOT-OD-26-094 – Effective with implementation of Forms J in FY2027, NIH will be replacing letters of support with letters of collaboration to reduce administrative burden.
  • NOT-OD-26-101 – Establishes the United States Government (USG) policy for stopping high-risk life sciences research, including dangerous gain of function (DGOF) research and international research of concern (IROC). Prohibits federal support for DGOF and research conducted in or involving countries or entities of concern. 
  • NOT-OD-26-090 – HHS will no longer accept more than 9 new and resubmission Phase 1, Fast- Track, and Direct to Phase II SBIR/TTR applications or proposals from a small business per fiscal year (FY). The limit applies to competing submissions with due dates on or after April 13, 2026. 
  • NOT-OD-26-100 – NIH is updating the Data Management and Sharing Plan requirements starting in FY2027. Institutions with applicable NIH awards will report plain changes and progress through the RPPR, and prior approval no longer be required for revisions. 
  • NOT-OD-26-097 – Beginning in FY2026, NIH strengthened requirements for addressing harassment, bullying, retaliation and hostile working conditions involving PD/PIs and senior/key personnel. 

Dr. Brown gave an update on active NIH Requests for Information (RFIs) including:

  • NOT-OD-26-095 - Input on Potential NIH Funding Approaches to Support the Development of Future Clinical Trial Investigations 
  • NOT-OD-26-088 - Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review.
  • NOT-OD-26-112 - Draft NIH Biosafety Policy for Research Involving Biohazards
  • NOT-OD-26-113 - Draft NIH Policy on Sharing Summary Level Study Results with Clinical Research Participants

Dr. Brown gave an overview of the new NIGMS funding priorities website including interest areas, highlighted topics, NIGMS Funding Opportunities and Notices, NIGMS policy considerations and additional information by funding category.

Dr. Brown also reviewed NIH’s Highlighted Topics (HTs), a mechanism for Institutes and Centers (ICs) to communicate areas of interest and emerging research priorities that may or may not have dedicated funding. NIH supports many types of research beyond the HTs and applications must be submitted through an existing NOFO.

Dr. Brown gave an update on NIH and NIGMS Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) including:

  • Instrumentation Programs: 
    • PAR-27-068 - Limited Competition: NIGMS Mature Synchrotron Resources (MSR) for Structural Biology (P30 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PAR-27-067 - Limited Competition: Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions (S10 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PAR-27-022 - Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • Technology Development Programs:
    • NIGMS supports prototype validating through iterative technology research and development (R&D)/validation studies
    • Once protypes are sufficiently developed to address biological questions, investigators can use the Parent R01 or Parent R35
    • PAR-27-024 - Biomedical Technology Optimization and Dissemination Center (BTOD) (RM1 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • Small Business Programs:
    • NIGMS is interested in basic research, clinical areas that impact multiple organ systems and biomedical workforce development or training through educational activities that may require additional resources. 
    • PA-27-100 - NIH, CDC and FDA Small Business Innovation Research Grant (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Optional)
    • PA-27-102 - NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional)
    • PAR-27-101 - NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough Award (Parent [R44] Clinical Trial Optional)
    • PAR-27-098 - SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program (Parent SB1 Clinical Trial Optional)
  • NIGMS Training and Workforce Development Programs:
    • NIGMS supports promising future scientists in as many places as possible to foster a biomedical research enterprise that improves the health of all Americans. This is accomplished by promoting opportunity across career stages, institution types and regions through institutional training, individual fellowships and student research experiences. 
    • NOT-GM-26-007 - Notice of Information: Changes to NIGMS Institutional Basic Biomedical and Clinician Scientist Training Programs
    • PA-27-030 - Institutional Mentored Career Development Award (Parent K12) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
    • PA-27-037 - Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award (Parent F99/K00 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • NIH is updating its Career Development (K) Award Programs (NOT-OD-26-098) - Beginning with applications due on or after October 12, 2027, individual K NOFOs will be consolidated into a smaller set of Parent NOFOs to simplify a complex landscape while retaining distinctions among the types of career development. 
  • Research Education Programs:
    • NIGMS supports research education programs across NIGMS mission areas for participants who benefit significantly, particularly those with limited research experience, from resource limited institutions or facing barriers to biomedical research careers. This is achieved through using Parent R25s to fund research enhancing education. 
    • NOT-GM-26-010 - Notice of Early Expiration of PAR-24-252 "Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT) (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)"
    • PA-27-034 - NIH Research Education Program - Courses, Curriculum & Methods (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PA-27-035 - NIH Research Educational Program - Mentoring Activities & Networks (Parent R25/UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PA-27-036 - NIH Research Education Program - Research Experiences (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • NIGMS Research Capacity Building Programs:
    • NIGMS supports multiple stages of capacity building and sustainability with programs that strengthen research infrastructure, workforce development and institutional capacity across IDeA-state institutions, resource limited institutions and federally recognized Tribes and Tribal entities. 
    • PAR-27-054 - Limited Competition: Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) (P30 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PAR-27-055 - Limited Competition: Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Expansion/Sustainability Phases (COBRE-E/S) (P30 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    • PAR-27-056 - Limited Competition: Institutional Development Award (IDeA) for Clinical & Translational Research (CTR) (P30 - CT Optional)

Dr. Brown discussed upcoming NIGMS informational webinars and current NIGMS HTs.

V. DISCUSSION (NIH Videocast @ 42:37)

Council discussed Highlighted Topics, equipment development grants, restructuring of career development awards, associated impacts on NIGMS policy changes and eligibility, and COBRE eligibility. 

VI. Assessing Career Outcomes for NIGMS Predoctoral T32 Biotechnology Trainees (NIH Videocast @ 53:35)

Andrew Miklos, Ph.D.

Dr. Miklos provided an analysis of career outcomes for NIGMS Predoctoral T32 Biotechnology Trainees compared to those on other tracks of the Basic Biomedical (BMM) Predoctoral program. He presented data showing the range of institutions receiving T32 awards in fiscal year (FY) 2025, distinguishing features of each program track, and trainee career lifecycle.

Analysis results included:

  • Biotechnology track trainees were more likely than trainees in other tracks to have initial positions in the for-profit industry sector
  • Industry sector positions equilibrated as trainees progressed through their careers
  • The biotechnology track, with its unique internship opportunity, saw students participating in industry careers immediately post-graduation at a higher rate than other tracks

NIGMS is restructuring its BBM T32 programs, as described in NOT-GM-26-007. Recognizing the impact of internship programs on career outcomes and the growth in use of internships across tracks, NIGMS is retaining an industry-focused track of the T32 program. Other tracks may still include internships as part of training activities, but the industry-focused track will include required internships as part of its structure.

Council discussed post-training tracking, eRA registration for NIH trainees and use and analysis of collected data, internships across training programs, time to graduation data, and distinctions among industry-sector roles.

VII. NIGMS-Funded Research-Enabling Resources (NIH Videocast @ 1:34:49)

Darren Sledjeski, Ph.D., C. Ashley Barnes, Ph.D., Anne Gershenson, Ph.D., Ronald Adkins, Ph.D., Zuzana Justinova, M.D., Ph.D., Jessica Faupel-Badger, Ph.D.

Dr. Sledjeski provided an overview of NIGMS-supported resources that provide the biomedical research community with access to facilities, tools, repositories, training, and expertise. He highlighted how shared resources can expand access to specialized research capabilities and support efficiencies through economies of scale. Resources discussed included:

  • National and Regional Resources (NRRs)
  • Mature Synchrotron Resources (MSRs)
  • Human Genetic Cell Repository
  • ARDS, Pneumonia and Sepsis (APS) Consortium
  • Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN)

Dr. Barnes provided an overview of the National and Regional Resources (NRRs), including their locations, researcher access and associated fees. 

Dr. Gershenson described Mature Synchrotron Resources (MSRs) and their role in providing access to X-ray beamlines for imaging biological systems. The presentation covered research applications, X-ray techniques, resource locations, and the process for requesting access.

Dr. Adkins provided an overview of the Human Genetic Cell Repository (HGCR) which maintains well-characterized cell lines and DNA for biomedical research. The presentation covered sample collection, partnerships, available services, research enabled by the repository, and the process for requesting samples.

Dr. Justinova provided an overview of the ARDS, Pneumonia and Sepsis (APS) Consortium, including its structure, data and sample sharing, and progress to date.

Dr. Faupel-Badger provided an overview of the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Program and the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, including the Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) and other IDeA-supported resources.

Council discussed the impact of shared resources on research efficiency and opportunities, the importance of model organism research, engagement of undergraduate researchers through the IDeA program, and the role of regional networks. Council and NIGMS staff also discussed approaches and programs that support institutions with limited research resources.

VIII. Concept Clearance: Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (NIH Videocast @ 2:32:00)

Erica Brown, Ph.D.

Dr. Brown provided a background about concept clearances and their purpose.

The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program supports eligible Tribal Entities to develop a pool of students who complete biomedical degrees and advance Tribal health research. 

Council voted to approve the concept for further development.

IX. Concept Clearance: Tribal Institutional Review Board Establishment and Enhancement (TIRBEE) Program (NIH Videocast @2:35:45)

Erica Brown, Ph.D.

The Tribal Institutional Review Board Establishment and Enhancement (TIRBEE) Program supports Tribal Entities in their establishment or enhancement of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This program will assist Tribal entities who wish to conduct or expand their human subjects and/or clinical trials research capacity. 

Council voted to approve the concept for further development.

X. Concept Clearance: Technology Development Program (NIH Videocast @ 2:37:08)

Erica Brown, Ph.D.

The Technology Development Program supports development of innovative technologies that can benefit a broad spectrum of basic/biological research. Projects must focus on technology development and not include biomedical aims or tests of biological hypotheses. 

Previous issuances included 2 NOFOs:

The previous R21 funding opportunity concluded in 2026. Moving forward, the program will be supported through a single NOFO with participation from multiple NIH ICs. Council discussed the reasons for previously withdrawn applications.

Council voted to approve the concept for further development.

CLOSED SESSION OF THE MEETING

This portion of the meeting was closed to the public in accordance with the determination that it was concerned with matters exempt from mandatory disclosure under sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., and section 1009(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. §§ 1001-1014).

Members exited the meeting during the discussion and voting process on applications from their own institutions or other applications that presented a potential conflict of interest, real or apparent. Members signed a statement to this effect at the beginning of the meeting.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

NIGMS considered 1,495 research and training applications requesting $555,121,736 in total costs. The Council recommended 1,495 applications with a total cost of $555,121,736.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. on September 10, 2026.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that, to my knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete.

Erica Brown, Ph.D.
Chair
National Advisory General
Medical Sciences Council

Ariel Zane, Ph.D.
Executive Secretary
National Advisory General
Medical Sciences Council
 

This page last updated on 09/22/2026 9:34 AM