The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is gradually resuming important meetings and travel associated with the critical grant-review process following an agency-wide communications freeze at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
While operations are on the path to normalization, they are not yet fully restored to pre-Trump administration levels. The advisory council and scientific review meetings linked to the NIH's grant-making process, where external scientists offer final grant reviews and strategic advice before new programs are finalized, have been ongoing but have not yet transitioned to open sessions.
Upon assuming office, President Donald Trump imposed a freeze on external communications at HHS and its sub-agencies. Recently, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon announced that certain external communications are no longer subject to the freeze, with clear guidelines provided to all HHS divisions on seeking approval for other mass communications.
NIH is currently navigating day-to-day operations to fulfill obligations under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which governs federal advisory committees, emphasizing public involvement through open meetings and reporting.
NIH Director Matthew Memoli issued a memo to staff last week to clarify the ongoing communications pause. The freeze was initially implemented to allow the new team to establish a review and prioritization process. However, due to confusion regarding the scope of the pause, additional guidance was deemed necessary.
In addition to halting announcements, press releases, website and social media posts, new guidance, and regulations, the freeze also suspended public appearances, travel by agency officials, and new purchases or service requests related to agency work. This move sparked frustration and confusion among HHS officials and the broader medical community, particularly concerning potential disruptions to critical health research.
Memoli clarified in his memo that ongoing research and clinical trials initiated before January 20 can continue to ensure the preservation of investments in these studies. Staff involved in these projects may procure necessary supplies and conduct related meetings. While new research projects remain prohibited, NIH staff can still submit papers to medical journals and communicate with them about submitted work.
Travel and hiring for existing work are permitted, with specific exemptions required for new hires due to the federal civilian employee hiring freeze initiated by Trump. Routine travel scheduled after February 1 does not require cancellation at this time, and patients receiving treatment at NIH facilities can continue their care.
NIH retains the ability to submit documents to the Federal Register and correspond with public officials. Dr. Ali Khan, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientist and current dean of the University of Nebraska's school of public health, noted that such pauses are not uncommon. Khan emphasized that concern is warranted only if the pause is intended to silence agencies around a political narrative.
