Science
Researchers sue NIH over alleged First Amendment violations in grant screening
A lawsuit alleges the agency filters applications for disfavored topics, according to STAT.
The short version
- Thirteen named and four anonymous researchers filed a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health, alleging First Amendment free speech violations.[STAT]
- The suit claims the agency screens grant applications for specific disfavored terms to determine funding rejections.[STAT]
- Targeted topics reportedly include workforce diversification, health disparities, climate change, and vaccines.[STAT]
- The plaintiffs are asking the court to halt the term-screening process for new applications and current grants.[STAT]
Key facts
- Seventeen researchers, including four filing anonymously, filed a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health.[STAT]
- The plaintiffs claim the NIH infringes on free speech by screening grant applications for targeted words and phrases.[STAT]
- Screening reportedly targets topics such as workforce diversification, health disparities, climate change, and vaccines.[STAT]
- The suit seeks an injunction to stop the agency from using term searches to reject pending applications or existing grants.[STAT]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed how the court will rule or whether the NIH will alter its grant review procedures in response to the suit.[STAT]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.