RESEARCH HORIZONS
Newsletter from the Office of Research & Biotechnology
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Message From The VPR
As we begin the new year, I would like to share several updates highlighting how we are strengthening WesternU’s research enterprise during a challenging period for biomedical research. Despite ongoing funding delays and increased competition nationwide, our faculty continue to secure significant support from NIH, HRSA, and private sponsors, underscoring the resilience and excellence of our research community.
In the year ahead, we are continuing our targeted support for investigators by expanding communication efforts, offering seed funding opportunities, and launching new tools to help faculty navigate both federal and non-federal funding sources. We are also developing focused research visions for both campuses to guide strategic investments, recruitment, partnerships, and lay the groundwork for future centers of excellence.
Finally, we are broadening engagement with corporate and foundation partners, including the launch of an AI-driven matching platform to connect faculty expertise with external collaborators nationwide.
Research remains central to WesternU’s mission, as it drives innovation, strengthens education and clinical excellence, and benefits all the communities we serve. I look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead.
Happy reading!
The Office of Research & Biotechnology
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Goodbye Lab Rats, Hello Organoids?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has officially launched the Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Center. This initiative is part of the agency's broader goal to reduce the use of animals in NIH-funded research.
This is the nation's first dedicated hub for developing standardized organoids. The initiative aims to solve one of the biggest challenges faced by researchers: the "reproducibility crisis" in lab-grown tissues. Specifically, the center will use AI and robotics to automate and standardize the creation of organoids. In addition, protocols, data, and even the organoid models will be available to researchers worldwide.
Why it Matters: Growing "organoids" (tiny, 3D tissue structures that mimic human organs) is a bit like cooking without a recipe, leading to significant variation from lab to lab. The SOM Center will change that by creating the "gold standard" for these models.
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Updated NIH Policy for Research Animals
As of October 1, 2025, notice NOT-OD-25-163 allows researchers to use grant funds to cover the costs of rehoming and retiring experimental animals. This is a significant step in supporting the ethical transition of animals after research concludes. Check with your animal resource facility for details on how to budget for this.
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NIH Policy on Enhancing Security Measures for Human Biospecimens
Notice NOT-OD-25-160 establishes new security protocols to protect human biospecimens (e.g., tissue, blood, and DNA) collected or stored with NIH funds. The policy aims to prevent sensitive health-related data of U.S. citizens from being misused by foreign adversaries.
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Immigration Update: $100,000 H-1B Fee Sparks Immediate Legal & Academic Fight
A Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, has placed a new restriction on the H-1B visa program: a $100,000 application fee for foreign workers entering the U.S., effective September 21st, 2025.
This costly restriction has caused immediate and intense opposition from multiple sectors:
Higher Education Pushback: Higher education institutions are actively seeking an exemption from the fee, warning that the prohibitive cost will be highly detrimental to their efforts to recruit and retain essential international faculty and researchers.
Federal Lawsuit Filed: A broad coalition, including labor unions, health-care providers, academic groups, and religious organizations, has filed a federal lawsuit demanding the court set aside the $100,000 fee.
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The Price of "Compact": Higher Ed Under Fire
The White House’s "Compact for Academic Excellence" is facing immediate and widespread condemnation from higher education leaders.
This initiative promises preferential federal funding and tax benefits to institutions that agree to a restrictive set of policy mandates, including (1) five-year tuition freeze; (2) banning consideration of race/sex in admissions and faculty hiring; (3) capping international undergraduate enrollment at 15%.
Institutions and academic groups are rejecting the proposal on multiple fronts, calling it a threat to autonomy and merit-based research.
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Federal Agencies Resume Operations: Deadlines Rescheduled
The NIH has released its Interim Guidance (NOT-OD-26-005) on Reopening of NIH Extramural Activities
Good News: NIH staff are fully available again, and the review process for submitted applications and progress reports will immediately resume.
The NIH has confirmed major schedule changes:
- Deadlines: All October and November grant application submission deadlines will be rescheduled.
- Meetings: Peer review and council meetings (Oct 1 – Nov 14) are also being rescheduled.
The NIH will soon provide clarity on two key areas:
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Operations under a Continuing Resolution (CR).
- Whether applications submitted during the shutdown can be revised and resubmitted.
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NIH Announces Emergency Modifications to Peer Review Process
To address application backlogs, the NIH has temporarily introduced a three-tiered review system. While the top third of applications will be discussed and scored, a new middle third will be designated as "Competitive but Not Discussed."Applications in this middle tier remain eligible for funding consideration based on Institute priorities.
Summary statements will now feature simplified bullet points alongside full reviewer critiques and may be released later than usual. Faculty are advised to monitor these designations closely, communicate with Program Officers regarding "Competitive" outcomes, and accept review invitations to assist with the recovery effort.
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NIH International Collaborations & Research Security Policies
On September 12, the NIH announced a major restructuring of how it funds international collaborations, replacing the traditional foreign subaward model.
There have been significant updates since the September 12 announcement:
1. Research Security Policy Rescinded: The notice regarding research security policies (NOT-OD-25-154) was rescinded by the NIH on September 29, 2025 (via notice NOT-OD-25-161). The NIH is working to harmonize its requirements with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal agencies to create a uniform standard.
2. New Funding Opportunity Forecasted: The NIH has forecasted the specific "Parent Announcement" that applicants will need to use for new international collaborations.
3. Status of Resources As of mid-November 2025, the specific FAQs and training materials promised in the original announcement are still largely listed as "forthcoming" or "in development".
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Use of AI in Grant Applications
Scientists seeking NIH increasingly limited research funding now face a new hurdle: beginning in 2025, investigators may submit no more than six grant applications per calendar year. According to an NIH notice released on July 17, 2025, the policy also bans proposals drafted with generative artificial intelligence (AI) The change is intended to keep researchers from flooding the grant-review system with excessive submissions, particularly low-quality applications produced with AI.
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Federal Financial Disclosures
On September 22, 2025, the Office of the Vice President for Research & Biotechnology (VPRB), issued a notification to all faculty regarding updated Federal Financial Disclosure guidelines. This communication cited relevant regulations and highlighted available compliance training.
Concurrently, the VPRB Office contacted the Office of External Affairs to outline these disclosure obligations, emphasizing the requirement to report gifts exceeding $50,000.
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New NSF Proposal Requirements Take Effect December 2, 2025
Effective December 2, 2025, all new NSF proposals must include updated certifications in the Cover Sheet, Biographical Sketch, and Current and Pending Support forms. Major changes include mandatory research security training for senior personnel and declarations regarding Confucius Institute affiliations. Proposals submitted before December 2 are exempt. Please click the link below to view the official NSF FAQs to ensure compliance.
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iLab Training Program
We are excited to announce the soft launch of our new iLab Training Program, with a full rollout this January. This program is designed to give incoming lab personnel an easier and compliant start in the laboratory environment.
Through hands-on instruction and guided walkthroughs, participants will learn:
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Essential Tools: How to navigate iLab for scheduling and SafeZone for campus safety.
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Lab Safety: Recognizing hazards, understanding emergency protocols, and locating meeting points.
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Best Practices: The responsibilities of shared research spaces and working under approved protocols.
How to Register: Click the button below to go to the Share Core site and select the Training tab to access the schedule and reserve a spot.
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The Office of Animal Resources (OAR) Represents WesternU at National AALAS meeting
OAR staff from Pomona and Lebanon campuses recently gathered in Long Beach, CA, for the AALAS National Meeting. As the largest professional organization for laboratory animal science, the event provided a prime opportunity for our team to explore new technologies, attend educational workshops, and network with global experts to bring back best practices for animal welfare as WesternU prepares for AAALAC Accreditation.
Our team also showcased their creativity in the AALAS Foundation’s “Swimming for Science” fundraising contest. Competing against major institutions like UCLA and Stanford, OAR staff entered a crowd-favorite shark design inspired by the hit Netflix series Wednesday. It was a proud moment of representation, combining WesternU spirit with a commitment to advancing responsible science.
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Upcoming PCC Renovation & CDM Suite Expansion
WesternU’s Capital Planning & Construction team will begin a series of renovation and construction projects in the Patient Care Center (PCC) to prepare for relocation of the Clinical Research Center to the 1st floor and support the expansion of the College of Dental Medicine (CDM) dental services on the 2nd floor.
Work will occur in multiple phases through April 2026, with both daytime and evening shifts used to minimize disruption.
Planned improvements include upgrades, renovation of 1st floor space to accommodate clinical research operations, and installation of dental chairs on the 2nd floor.
All construction areas will remain restricted for safety. Employees needing access or accommodations should contact Construction Project Manager Steve Vega at svega@westernu.edu. Facilities and Security will continue to be available for assistance and urgent needs.
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Congratulations to Dr. David Baron, awarded the 2025 Presidential Commendation by the President of the American Psychiatric Association for his “leadership and innovative global work in Sports Psychiatry and Lifestyle Psychiatry”.
Dr. Baron also received the 2024 Presidential Award by the President of the World Psychiatric Association for “extraordinary contribution and leadership in global mental health and sport psychiatry".
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3rd Annual WesternU Board of Trustee's Past & Present Gratitude Dinner- November 14, 2025
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Congratulations to Dr. Fanglong Dong and Dr. Rodney Hicks for receiving the WesternU Excellence in Research Award. This award recognizes outstanding contribution to research and innovation, honoring individuals who have demonstrated dedication, originality, and impact in their respective fields. | |
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Congratulations to the WesternU Institutional Review Board (IRB) for receiving the Team Excellence Award (Faculty). This award recognizes a team that exemplifies outstanding collaboration within their division or college. The award was collected by Dr. Pinakin Davey, Vice Chair of the IRB.
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Please send your accomplishments (e.g., extramural grants, publications in high-impact journals, high-profile honors & awards, etc.) to UniversityResearchOffice@westernu.edu
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WesternU Student Research Symposium A showcase of the innovative research and scholarly activities conducted by our student body.
When: January 30th, 2026
Where: TBA
Western Medical Research Conference A premier gathering of western medical researchers, attended by 100+ COMP Students
When: January 15-17, 2026
Where: Carmel, CA
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Patent Controversies
Updates on SBIR/STTR Grants
The legislative authority for SBIR and STTR programs officially expired on October 1, 2025. While a Continuing Resolution (CR) was signed on November 12 to end the government shutdown, it did not include the necessary extension for these programs. Consequently, federal agencies have placed a critical pause on funding and solicitations.
New awards are paused. Agencies (including NIH, NSF, and DOD) currently lack the authority to issue new awards.
Existing Awards: Generally remain active and valid. However, agencies cannot issue "non-competing continuations" (new funding increments) until reauthorization is passed.
Solicitations: Most agencies have pulled or closed open solicitations effective mid-November.
Latest NIH Action: On November 17, 2025, the NIH issued Notice NOT-OD-26-006. This notice closes all currently open SBIR/STTR funding opportunities. If you are preparing a submission for an upcoming due date, please contact the VPRB Office.
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