ASH Response to NIH RFI on Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review

In its October 9, 2026, letter, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) urges NIH to retain numerical peer review impact scores rather than replace them with broad categorical ratings, warning that the change would reduce transparency and hinder applicants’ ability to assess their competitiveness and plan resubmissions. ASH also recommends clearer explanations of funding decisions, actionable guidance on needed revisions, and greater consistency between initial and resubmission reviews to preserve scientific merit, accountability, and trust.