New guidance from the HHS Office of the General Counsel

NIH’s mission—to advance science and improve health—depends on the trust of the American people and the scientific community.

New guidance from the HHS Office of the General Counsel makes clear that government employees should not use their official positions to solicit…

— Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD (@NIHDirector_Jay) August 29, 2026

… nominations for personal awards or prizes from organizations they fund or regulate.

NIH is updating its policies to reflect this guidance and reinforce the high ethical standards that are essential to our mission.

Our focus remains where it belongs: supporting the best science, responsibly stewarding taxpayer resources, and improving the health of the American people.