NOT-OD-26-087
NIH is requesting public input on how to better measure and recognize scientific impact in modern biomedical research. Through this Request for Information (RFI), NIH aims to develop metrics that move beyond traditional measures such as publication counts and citations to better reflect rigorous, collaborative, and mission-driven science.
NIH recently launched a new agency-wide Replication and Reproducibility Initiative to incentivize and institutionalize replication and reproducibility efforts across the biomedical research enterprise. As part of this Initiative and NIH's Plan to Drive Gold Standard Science, NIH is supporting the research community in identifying critical research and infrastructure needs necessary to advance rigorous and reliable scientific findings.
NIH is seeking feedback on potential indicators and incentives related to:
- Rigor and reproducibility, including replication efforts and causal research
- Data, software, and model sharing to promote transparency and reuse
- Training and mentorship that strengthen the biomedical workforce
- Team science and collaboration
- Entrepreneurship and translation of research into clinical and commercial applications
- Foundational and high-risk research with the potential for transformative discoveries
- Public impact, including contributions to health outcomes, clinical practice, economic growth, accessibility, and public trust
NIH is particularly interested in practical recommendations for measurable indicators, implementation strategies, and potential benefits or unintended consequences across different career stages, disciplines, and institution types.
Comments should be submitted electronically to the following webpage: https://osp.od.nih.gov/comment-form-measuring-and-rewarding-scientific-impact/ Comments are due by August 19, 2026.