What is the PHS Assignment Request Form and why should I include it in my NIH grant application?

The PHS Assignment Request Form is an optional form that can be submitted with your proposal. It is not a separate attachment, but rather an embedded form in the application package. The form is used to list expertise needed to review your application, exclude reviewers, request an institute assignment, and, in particular for investigator-initiated applications such as parent R01s, to request assignment to a specific study section.

The PHS Assignment Request Form can be used to:

1. Provide up to five areas of expertise that will be required to understand and accurately review your application. 
• This can include specific disciplines or an understanding of certain methodologies; however there is no guarantee that all of the requested expertise will be represented in the reviewer panel. Write your proposal with this in mind.
2. List individuals who should be excluded from reviewing your application. 
• This section is limited to no more than 1,000 characters. Only a few reasons for exclusion will be considered. Valid reasons that could prevent you from receiving a fair review include if the potential reviewer is a direct competitor, if there is a long-standing scientific disagreement with the individual, or if a conflict of interest exists. 
• Unfortunately, you can't request exclusion of that guy who looked like Russell Brand who spilled his espresso martini all over your shirt when he was tipsy at last year's conference.
3. Request assignment to a particular study section and/or institute. 
• This request should only be made if you are submitting an investigator-initiated R01, R21, or R03 application. 
• Review the Center for Scientific Review's (CSR) study sections here.

More advice about completing the PHS Assignment Request form is available from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).