Researchers sue NIH over grant screening that they say violates First Amendment rights

Researchers have filed a class action lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health, claiming the agency violates their First Amendment rights by searching grant applications for specific words. The suit, brought by 13 identified and four anonymous scientists, seeks an injunction to stop the term‑screening process.

The plaintiffs say the screening focuses on research areas that the Trump administration opposed, including efforts to diversify the research workforce, studies of health disparities, climate change, and vaccines.

A court ruling in favor of the plaintiffs would apply to all researchers whose proposals are examined for these terms, potentially changing how NIH evaluates and funds biomedical research.