On 29 May 2026, the US Office of Management and Budget published a proposed rule to revise government-wide requirements for federal financial assistance, including grants and co-operative agreements.
The stated aims of the proposal are to improve transparency, accountability and oversight of federal awards, to clarify the regulatory status of the rules, and to reduce administrative burden for recipients. The proposed rule would apply across federal grant-making agencies in the USA, including agencies relevant to biomedical and immunology research, such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Science Foundation.
For the research community, notable provisions of the proposed rule include:
- A “domestic-first” framework for research and development awards, which would require international elements to be justified as consistent with national programme objectives and in the US national interest
- New expectations relating to research integrity, reproducibility, and “Gold Standard Science”
- A requirement that scientific research awards to be categorised as basic research, applied research, or experimental development
- Significant restrictions on the use of federal award funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities and gender transition-related interventions for under-19s
Although this is a US policy proposal, it is very likely to be relevant to UK immunologists and institutions that are involved in US-funded research or international collaborations.
The BSI will continue to monitor developments and communicate any potential implications for the UK immunology community.
Members of the research community can submit comments until 13 July 2026, and the US Office for Management and Budget is required to review and respond to all substantive, original comments received.