Goal: Since February 5, 2008, appointed members of all chartered NIH study sections have had the option of submitting their R01, R21, and R34 applications, continuously, with no deadline. The applications are reviewed no later than 120 days after receipt and will be referred to the Institute Council for the next round.  The reviews are likely to be conducted by Special Emphasis Panels (SEPs), although they may be assigned to chartered study sections if scientifically appropriate and timely.  Alternately, regular study section members have the option to continue with the current practice of submitting most unsolicited applications within two weeks of the standard due dates (one week for AIDS related research and small business) and receive the review outcome in the usual fashion.  Note that this does not apply to applications in response to special initiatives (e.g., RFAs or PARs).

Expected Benefits:  Continuous receipt has the potential to— 

• Reward reviewers by providing flexibility in submission deadlines and by providing timely review outcomes.
• Provide a recruitment incentive for reviewers
• Provide a test of the applicability of continuous receipt to other types of reviews, which could benefit other applicants.

 Status: 

• An NIH Guide Notice as issued announcing the implementation of this option, and a companion update of the late submission policy was published at the same time.  Frequently Asked Questions are accessible on the CSR’s Web site.
• Regular referral guidelines will be followed and IC Offices of Review will conduct the reviews if the applications would be normally be assigned there.  They will also conduct reviews of applications received continuously within 120 days of submission.

Schedule for Implementation:  Continuous submission has been available on a limited basis (described above) since February 5, 2008.  Data will be collected on the use of this option and how it affects the timing of review.  After careful evaluation, the initiative may be expanded to other reviewers and/or types of applications.

Specific questions about this new policy may be directed to the CSR Division of Receipt and Referral: 301-435-0715