The excellence of peer review is directly correlated to our ability to recruit and retain the most accomplished, broad-thinking and creative scientists to serve on study sections. This can be accomplished through achievement of the following:

• Providing Benefits for Reviewers. In 2009, new reviewers will be given additional flexibility regarding their tour of duty, and other efforts will be undertaken to improve retention of standing review members.
• Recruiting the Best Reviewers. A toolkit incorporating best practices for recruiting reviewers will be made available to all ICs in 2009.
• Enhancing Reviewer Training. In spring 2009, training will be available to reviewers and SROs related to the changes in peer review.
• Allowing Flexibility through Virtual Reviews. Pilots will be conducted in 2009 on the feasibility of using high-bandwidth support for review meetings to provide reviewers greater flexibility and alternatives for in-person meetings.