The International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) has submitted comments to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing proposed changes to federal grant regulations. STM argued that the revisions would undermine independent expert review, scholarly communication, and the dissemination of research findings.
The organization noted that it was joining a broad coalition of universities, scientific societies, publishers, libraries, and research organizations in voicing concern. According to STM, the proposed rule would weaken longstanding principles that have enabled the United States to become a global leader in science.
STM’s submission emphasized that the proposed conditions run counter to values consistently expressed across U.S. administrations, including the current one: independent merit review, excellence and integrity, transparency and accountability, accurate and useful sharing of research information, and open global collaboration.
The association highlighted that restrictions on publication, subscription, and conference costs would severely limit researchers’ ability to access prior knowledge, communicate new findings, and meet public access expectations. STM stressed that publication is not an optional add-on to research but an essential part of the process that allows discoveries to be validated, shared, and translated into scientific, economic, and societal benefit.
The comments further underscored that policies governing federally funded research should reinforce, rather than weaken, the systems that have made the United States a leader in science and innovation. Independent merit review, STM explained, has long provided the foundation for identifying promising research and guiding public investment. These same principles underpin scholarly publishing, where peer review remains the cornerstone of evaluating and validating research findings.
STM also warned that restrictions on international collaboration could limit access to expertise, partnerships, and knowledge networks that strengthen research quality and impact. Concerns were raised that expanded grant termination powers and reduced transparency in funding opportunities would create uncertainty for researchers and institutions, complicating long-term planning and potentially undermining confidence in the federal research funding system.
The association reaffirmed its support for policies that strengthen research excellence, public trust in science, and the ability of knowledge to serve society. STM expressed hope that its comments, along with the ongoing regulatory process, would lead to policies that better support the research enterprise. CEO Caroline Sutton stated that STM remained ready to work with policymakers and the wider research ecosystem to support science in the United States and globally.
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