Beginning with the implementation of Forms J in FY 2027, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will replace Letters of Support with Letters of Collaboration to reduce administrative burden and align with National Science Foundation (NSF) practices. Letters of Collaboration will document specific commitments to collaborate or provide material support from individuals who are not identified as senior/key personnel or other significant contributors.
Letters intended solely to endorse a proposal will no longer be permitted, and letters should be limited to 100 words or fewer, with NIH encouraging a standard one-sentence format. Applicants should also note that continuing to submit Letters of Support after Forms J implementation may result in an application being returned without review.
More information, including the date of enforcement, will be made available on the NIH website soon.