Administration Takes Steps to Restructure Key NIH Advisory Committees

By: Yvette Seger
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Federal advisory committees provide government agencies with a mechanism to seek advice and engage expertise beyond federal employees. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), federal advisory committee activities range from providing recommendations on the development and implementation of programs relative to the agency’s mission to advising on the scientific merit of grant applications. Information released earlier this month indicates continuing efforts to restructure the way in which NIH utilizes federal advisory committees.

On July 10, a notice published in the Federal Register announced the renewal of the charter for the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director (ACD) for an additional two years. For decades, the ACD has served as a critical resource to NIH Directors, most recently providing reports and recommendations on re-envisioning NIH-supported postdoctoral training, appropriate use of artificial intelligence, and catalyzing the development and use of novel alternative methods to advance biomedical research. While the renewal of the charter was initially viewed as positive, Science reported that all 10 of the current members were relieved of service, regardless of term.

In addition to the shake-up of the ACD, Nature reported additional screening of individuals nominated to serve on Advisory Councils of NIH Institutes and Centers. These committees are critical not only for their advice in setting programmatic priorities for a particular NIH Institute but also serve as the second stage of NIH’s peer review process. Thus, delays in these appointments could further stall the awarding of grants.