Blogs

Throughout the year, SOT is approached by like-minded organizations to lend its support to varying issues and recommendations. This blog contains a summary of a recent action by SOT related to regulations and public policy. It also contains other policy items and opportunities that may be of interest to SOT members. 

Letter on NIH Funding and Barriers Disrupting Funding 

SOT joined 89 other organizations in signing a letter to the leaders of the US House of Representatives and Senate concerning “barriers … that are disrupting National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funding research at institutions throughout the country and undermining the stability of the scientific workforce.” The letter sent on June 16, 2026, outlined several concerns, including the impact of multi-year funding, delays and inconsistencies in the release of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), a lack of transparency around funding decisions, and insufficient NIH staffing. The letter also encouraged the US government to fund NIH at $51.3 billion for FY2027. You can read the complete letter on the SOT website.  

Letter on OMB Proposal’s Effects on Publishing 

On June 18, 2026, a letter was sent to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the US House and Senate Committees on Appropriations to express concern about the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s proposal to update US federal grant administration guidance in the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically, this letter—signed by SOT and 162 other organizations—outlined ways in which the OMB proposed changes would negatively impact scientific publishing in the United States. You can read the complete letter on the SOT website.  

Reminder: OMB “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” Proposed Rule 

The deadline to submit comments on the OMB “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” proposed rule is July 13, 2026. The proposed revisions have real potential to affect long-standing practices, including the role of expert peer review, international collaboration, and mechanisms that support dissemination of scientific findings. There is little doubt that the proposed changes will impact the Society’s mission and those of organizations and institutions around the United States, with ripple effects around the world. SOT members are encouraged to engage thoughtfully and immediately in the current public comment process. Read the SOT blog on this topic for more information.