The percentage of NIH research grant applications that were funded fell 3% to a record low of 18% in fiscal 2011. The decline is mainly due to the funding of continuing multiyear R01 grants. Funding such grants cost the NIH an additional $189 million and accounted for 78% of available grant money. Another factor was that fewer new R01 grants were awarded. Despite a 3% increase in the amount of R01 grant proposals, the success rate fell from 22% to 18% due to an increase in the average size of grants and the NIH’s 1% budget cut. The number of total grant submissions rose 8% in fiscal 2011 to reach an all-time high of 49,592, led by a 17% increase in R21 grant proposals. The amount of 2012 continuing and new grants will not be adjusted for inflation.

Source: ScienceInsider