NIH announces simplified peer review framework for Research Project Grants
On October 19, NIH announced that a simpler peer review framework for Research Project Grants (RPG; e.g., R01, R21, DP2) will take effect on January 25, 2025.
What does this mean for the NIH RPG merit review process?
Reviewers will evaluate the five review criteria categories (i.e., Significance, Investigators, Innovation, Approach, and Environment) within three factors:
- Factor 1: Importance of the Research (Significance, Innovation), scored 1-9
- Factor 2: Rigor and Feasibility (Approach), scored 1-9
- Factor 3: Expertise and Resources (Investigators, Environment), to be evaluated with a selection from a drop-down menu
Additionally, “Select Agents” and “Resource Sharing Plans” will be reviewed administratively and not by peer review.
As an NIH applicant, what do I need to do?
Understand the new framework. If you plan to submit an RPG (e.g., R01, R21, DP2), we recommend that you read and understand the new peer review framework. By understanding the review criteria, you are more likely to write the proposal with your audience in mind and align the proposal with the objectives of the program solicitation.
Expect a reorganized summary statement. Additionally, you will find that summary statements reflect the reorganized review criteria. Summary statements will have an overall impact paragraph, assessments of Factors 1-3, and scores for Factor 1 (Importance of the Research) and Factor 2 (Rigor and Feasibility).
Attend an NIH webinar to learn more. NIH is hosting an online briefing on November 3, 2023, from 10am to 11am PT, to discuss the simplified peer review framework for research project grant applications. The webinar will provide an overview of the changes and further webinars with more details will follow as the implementation date approaches. Registration is required to join the webinar, and questions can be submitted ahead of time on the registration form.
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