NIH grant success rates hit historic low, pushing researchers to seek alternative funding

NIH grant success rates have fallen to historic lows, with only about 13% of applications receiving funding in the most recent fiscal year.

Researchers are responding by dedicating more time to writing proposals, submitting a higher volume of applications, and seeking alternative funding sources or reshaping projects to match current administration priorities.

Clinician-scientists, such as those at the University of Michigan, report increasing pressure to spend more time on patient care, which can divert attention from research activities.