The call with Dr. Larry Tabak and Dr. Mike Lauer on March 16 centered on NIH’s response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding the health and safety of those involved in NIH-funded research. The NIH emphasized flexibility and support for institutions and researchers facing unprecedented challenges, detailing various accommodations such as accepting late applications with broad justifications related to pandemic impact, allowing flexibility in reporting and administrative deadlines, and considering administrative supplements to cover unexpected costs. Guidance on procedural and regulatory issues was provided, highlighting that oversight by local IRBs takes precedence over programmatic discussion with NIH staff for urgent study changes, and that institutional decisions about suspending research would not be mandated by NIH but would be respected.
NIH leadership also clarified that while they could not speak for other funding organizations, they are working to address questions regarding updates to registries (like ClinicalTrials.gov), animal care regulations, and salary support for staff reassigned to public health duties, all while acknowledging the complexity and evolving nature of the situation. NIH is operating largely through telework and remains committed to processing applications and notices of award, though some delays may be inevitable. The agency reaffirmed its priority on public health and safety over administrative concerns and encouraged continued communication with program officials for guidance. The call closed with an affirmation of the critical role of scientific research in addressing the crisis, likening the current challenge to past public health emergencies such as the HIV epidemic, and maintaining an optimistic outlook on the potential for science to drive solutions to COVID-19.
