New NIH Proposal Videos

Are you still confused by the NIH grant peer review process?  As explained in a recent notice, NIH has released new videos to help you better understand what happens during peer review.
The video that I believe will be most helpful is "Top 10 NIH Peer Review Q&A".  The video includes 10 commonly asked questions and answers from 10 Center for Scientific Review experts. Watch it and share any other tips or questions below in the comments.

Do I need to write a cover letter for my grant application?

In 2016, NIH added a new PHS Assignment Request Form.  Previously, applicants would add a cover letter to request assignment to a particular study section or institute, ask to exclude a reviewer, or request reviewers with particular expertise.  The form streamlines this process and eliminates the need to write a cover letter.  A sample version of the form is located here.  You can also visit this link for more information and instructions.

There are times when a cover letter is required.  This includes:

• Applications that require prior approval to submit, such as grants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year, conference grants (e.g. R13), and investigator-initiated clinical trial planning and implementation awards
• Applications that will generate large-scale genomic data or that plan to access data in the NIH genome-wide association study (GWAS) data repository
• Corrected applications submitted after the deadline.  This will also require an explanation of why your application is late.
• Indicating you are an NIH study section member who is eligible for continuous submission
• Explaining that you will send video files  

This helpful site provides more details and instructions.

Upcoming changes to review criteria at NIH

In a recently published notice, NIH announced that changes will be made to grant reviewer instructions beginning with applications received January 25, 2019.  Notably, the term "scientific premise" is being replaced with additional instructions surrounding rigor and reproducibility.  (From my perspective, this is an excellent change, since many a scientist has struggled with how to address the scientific premise given the limited guidance provided by NIH.)   Other changes are to inclusion reporting and protection of human subjects. One significant change is the removal of language about children.  Instead of "Inclusion of Children", there will now be a requirement to address "Inclusion Across the Lifespan", which includes children and older adults. 
Unlike the Common Rule, Forms E, and other recent NIH proposal changes, there hasn't been much buzz about these modifications.  Prepare now so you won't be caught by surprise for your winter or spring submission.