Here’s our regular check on the NIH funding data. The figures for January 2026 have just been published which show 23.3% more awarded vs this point in January 2025. The fiscal year to date (FY26, starting Oct 1st 2025) is catching up – standing at only 0.02% less than the same point in FY25. Considering this includes the shutdown in October and half of November 2025, that’s some really encouraging catch-up.
Figure 1: NIH Funding by month 2024 – 2026
January 2026 stands at $700m awarded, a 23.3% increase vs this same point in January 2025.
Figure 2: NIH Funding change by month FY25 to FY26
As it’s the start of the calendar year, we’ve shown the fiscal year (FY) here. So far, FY26 (Oct ’25 to Jan ’26) stands at $1.386bn – only $302k or 0.02% less than this point in FY25 (Oct ’24 to Jan ’25). Note the FY26 began with the government shutdown, so zero was paid in October and half of November 2025 – so that uptick in December and January has really turned it around to get us back on track.
Figure 3: Cumulative NIH funding 2023 – 2026
The calendar year 2025 closed out at $20.3bn, an overall increase of $2.16bn or 11.9% vs 2024. This number may still change slightly, as we see backdated awards released.
What can you do about it?
The picture in FY26 so far is cause for cautious optimism. Despite the headlines, NIH funding is still getting out.
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