Washington Update

FASEB Supports NIH Research Project Grant Cap with Key Safeguards

By: Galen Cobb
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
On August 3, FASEB submitted comments in response to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Request for Information (RFI) on a proposed policy to cap the number of simultaneous Research Project Grants (RPGs) an individual can hold as Principal Investigator (PI) or Multi-Principal Investigator (MPI). The RFI sought input on a proposal to limit the number of RPGs held by individual investigators with the goal of broadening the distribution of its funding, supporting more researchers, and maximizing scientific productivity and innovation. NIH estimates that 10.7 percent of PIs currently hold three or more simultaneous RPGs, while 1.2 percent hold five or more.

In its comments, FASEB recommended setting the cap at three RPGs per PI or MPI. According to NIH estimates, a cap at this level could make approximately $2.04 billion available to support an additional 3,020 RPGs. FASEB noted that a three-grant cap could help broaden access to NIH funding while minimizing disruption for investigators currently holding multiple awards.

FASEB also emphasized that implementation safeguards will be important to ensure that a grant cap achieves its intended goals without disrupting productive research. Key recommendations included:
  • Use weighted rather than flat counting for team science projects: MPI roles should be counted fractionally based on factors such as budget, effort, or role rather than through a flat per-PI or equal-share formula.
  • Phase implementation through natural renewal cycles: FASEB supported NIH's proposed approach of phasing in compliance through existing grant renewal cycles rather than requiring institutions to reach the cap within one year. FASEB also recommended that NIH establish a minimum transition period for every affected PI.
  • Establish a waiver process for shared research resources: NIH should create a documented exception pathway for PIs who oversee essential shared resources, such as biobanks, patient registries, and multi-site consortia, where continuity of experienced leadership is critical to maintaining these resources.
Read FASEB's full comments to NIH.