In spring 2024, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced changes to applications and peer review that are set to take effect beginning in January 2025. These changes will affect the peer review and submission process for most research project grants, fellowships, and training grants; Common Forms for NIH Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support; instructions for reference letters; and the transition to FORMS-I application instructions. Collectively, these changes are meant to simplify, clarify, and/or promote greater fairness for applicants. NIH developed a webpage (grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance) that provides information on the coming changes and will update that page as more details become available.

Applications for the 2025-2026 ASH Congressional Fellowship are open through January 31. The program provides a unique opportunity for one ASH member to work on Capitol Hill and help shape health care and hematology policy for the academic year starting in September 2025. To be considered, candidates must be ASH members in good standing, have a doctoral degree or its equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen. Visit hematology.org/advocacy/congressional-fellowship to learn more about the program, read about previous ASH Congressional Fellows, and apply.

Last year was marked by many advocacy and policy initiatives that are important to hematology and the ASH membership: increasing research and public health funding, ensuring patients have access to quality care, responding to changes in physician payment and coverage, and supporting legislative initiatives related to sickle cell disease. ASH members visited more than 120 congressional offices and sent more than 1,000 messages to lawmakers as part of the outreach. ASH wishes to thank the many advocates who helped the Society so much last year.

In early January, members of the 119th Congress were sworn into office, including new representatives and senators. These newly elected officials – along with returning senators and representatives – need to know what hematology is and the impact of federal programs. This year, and throughout the 119th Congress, ASH will continue its advocacy efforts on the issues that matter to the hematology community.

The Society needs the help of all ASH members to draw the attention of lawmakers, the new presidential administration, and U.S. governmental agencies. Members of the ASH Grassroots Network receive action alerts and information about issues affecting hematology research and practice. At times, Grassroots Network members are invited to represent hematology in activities such as visits to Capitol Hill, with NIH leadership, with other regulatory agencies, and with congressional leaders back home. Visit the ASH Advocacy Center at hematology.org/advocacy to join the ASH Grassroots Network and learn how you can become an advocate for hematology.