The ISSCR submitted comments on proposed regulations from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would reshape how the U.S. federal government funds scientific research. Among other changes, the proposed regulations would de-emphasize merit-based review of scientific grant applications and instead establish a political review process, enable mid-stream grant cancellations without cause, and place restrictions or significant bureaucratic burdens on international research collaborations. As outlined in the comment letter, these proposed changes would have harmful impacts to the progress of stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. Given this, the ISSCR respectfully urged OMB to withdraw the proposed regulations.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a new rule titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that will significantly reshape how the U.S. government funds and manages scientific research, including international collaborations, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies. All ISSCR members, regardless of whether you are U.S.-based or not, are eligible to provide comment on the proposed policy.

Though the rule is extensive and applies to all federal grantmaking, there are several areas where input from our community is critical.