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NIH Algorithm Delays Grants, White House Pushes Political Control

6/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

An algorithm that scans NIH grant proposals for 235 disfavored terms has created a funding bottleneck.
The early-2026 extra review by NIH and HHS officials delays about 10% of renewals for over seven weeks.
Internal documents show the algorithm flags gender, climate change and racism, prompting officers to renegotiate language or reject proposals.
On May 29 the White House proposed rules to let political appointees control scientific grant-making.

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Story summary

An algorithm that scans NIH grant proposals for 235 disfavored terms has created a funding bottleneck.
The early-2026 extra review by NIH and HHS officials delays about 10% of renewals for over seven weeks.
Internal documents show the algorithm flags gender, climate change and racism, prompting officers to renegotiate language or reject proposals.
On May 29 the White House proposed rules to let political appointees control scientific grant-making.