NOT-OD-26-086
NIH is requesting public feedback on a proposal to limit the number of Research Project Grants (RPGs) on which an investigator can serve as a PI or MPI simultaneously. Comments are due August 3, 2026.
Potential Grant Caps Under Consideration
NIH is seeking feedback on a cap of 2, 3, or 4 simultaneous RPGs per investigator.
Depending on the cap selected, NIH estimates that between $1.3 billion and $3.5 billion could be redirected to support approximately 1,900–5,200 additional investigators.
Proposed Implementation
Rather than requiring immediate changes, NIH is considering a phased approach in which investigators above the cap would gradually reduce the number of grants they lead through renewals, PI changes, or award relinquishment.
The proposed cap is intended to:
- Support a larger number of investigators and institutions
- Increase opportunities for early- and mid-career researchers
- Broaden geographic distribution of NIH funding
- Improve project oversight, mentoring, and research rigor
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not establish a new policy. NIH will use stakeholder feedback to inform potential future policy development.