The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a longstanding history of supporting the most promising and meritorious biomedical and behavioral research using a broad range of approaches, strategies and mechanisms. While the world-renowned peer review system is the cornerstone of NIH, the increasing breadth, complexity, and interdisciplinary nature of modern research has created many challenges. More information on the challenges is available in the justification section of the web site. 

To address these challenges, in June 2007, the NIH initiated the effort to formally review the NIH peer review system.  External and internal working groups deliberated on challenges and recommendations regarding enhancements to the review system.  Input was sought and received, with significant dialogue, from both internal and external communities. The year-long effort, resulting in selected recommendations and key actions, included the following phases:

• Diagnostic Phase (July 2007 – February 2008)
• Design Implementation Plan (March 2008 – June 2008)
• Begin Phased Implementation of Selected Actions (September 2008)
This page was last reviewed on December 4, 2008