While Congress has prevented a government shutdown by passing a short-term funding bill known as a Continuing Resolution (CR) that keeps funding levels for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies consistent with current year levels through December 11, NIH still faces grave threats from the proposed rule by the Office of Management & Budget (OMB).
The proposed OMB rule would replace merit review of federal grants with review by political appointees to ensure research is consistent with the President’s priorities, expand termination authority, restrict where research is published and presented, and eliminate international collaborations.
Since OMB released its proposed rule last May, the Endocrine Society opposed the rule and has engaged policymakers via our campaigns, Hill days, and coalition activities to educate them about the impacts of these actions and has urged Congress to intervene and prevent these actions from going into effect. Because of our advocacy and advocacy by others, Congress is listening and beginning to act. The CR includes language that temporarily prevents OMB from finalizing or implementing its proposed rule through December.
The OMB rule, however, has only been temporarily blocked and the White House is considering other ways to implement its policies, for example, through an Executive Order. Consequently, it is more important than ever that all congressional offices hear from their constituents about the need to urge the Administration to withdraw the proposed rule and prevent the enactment of any policies that undermine a federal grant system grounded in scientific merit, transparency, and stability. We need all US-based Endocrine Society members to share our message by sending a letter to your Representative and Senators through our online campaign. Join the Endocrine Society’s advocacy campaign today and urge your Members of Congress to fund and protect NIH.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced updates to individual career development (K) awards as part of the agency’s effort to streamline the landscape of funding opportunities.
Three main changes were proposed:
These policy updates will affect NOFOs that begin on or after October 12, 2027. Given the NIH’s policy change to disallowing K award funds for the conduct of clinical trials, NIH issued a Request for Information (RFI) on how to structure potential funding models that would allow K awardees to serve as principal investigators of clinical trials while receiving research support that is separate from the K award.
The Endocrine Society submitted comments in response to this RFI, expressing concern about how the separation of clinical trials leadership from the K award training and mentorship will negatively affect the professional development of physician-scientists. The Society urged NIH to reconsider its approach to funding and training physician-scientists and to preserve the existing criteria for K awards that would allow mentees to lead clinical trials under the guidance of a mentor. The Society recognizes the importance of developing a strong pipeline of physician-scientists and will continue to advocate for policies that support the training and development of physician-scientists.
This week, the Endocrine Society joined the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR), the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), the Women First Research Coalition (WFRC), and nearly 70 endorsing organizations on Capitol Hill to support the National Strategy to Close the Women’s Health Gap. The Society met with Republican and Democrat congressional offices to discuss the importance of advancing policies that support women’s health research and care and to identify and recruit potential congressional champions.
The National Strategy calls on Congress to invest $20 billion over 10 years to transform women’s health research, care, and outcomes. The Strategy recommended investment priorities include Research and Innovation, Regulatory Coordination and Modernization, Data and Evidence Infrastructure, Bolstering the Women's Health Clinical and Research Workforce, and Public Awareness and Education.
Endocrinologists and endocrine researchers play an important role in ensuring that women’s care is focused on the correct balance of hormones. We are encouraged to see this collaborative effort to close the women’s health gap and advance evidence-based care. Women comprise more than half the US population, yet for decades women’s health has been understudied and underserved. The Society will continue to advocate for improving and protecting access to care for women through better funding and research to address gaps in endocrine health.
We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your US representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.
