This checklist is based on NIAID's New Investigator Guide to NIH Funding tutorial. Throughout, we provide links to the tutorial for more complete information.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics
Application Essentials
- Is my application in sync with NIH's mission? Do I show the health relevance of my research project?
- Do I have what it takes to receive funding, e.g., the ability and means to do the work, an important topic, an organized and well written application? See Application Essentials.
- Am I aware of NIAID's funding philosophy?
- Do I understand that the Institute awards grants by the payline?
- Do I know that the Institute also funds outstanding applications that miss the payline?
- Do I have enough preliminary data to apply for an R01, or should I go for a smaller grant, such as an R03 or R21? To find out, read What Award Should You Apply For?
- Do I understand R01 basics, e.g., what are R01s, to whom are they awarded, how are they scored?
Go to What's an R01?
- Do I know about the various ways to be informed of policy changes?
See Staying Informed.
Application Strategy
Writing the Application
- Have I read NIH
Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal and other All About Grants tutorial pages for advice on writing to my audience, addressing NIH review criteria, and other important topics? See Selected Pages From All About Grants.
- Have I sought advice from mentors? Have I considered filling in gaps with collaborators or consultants? See Getting Oriented.
- To make my application stand out, have I done the following:
- Shown that I have my own resources and institutional support, am independent, and able to lead?
- Demonstrated that I understand the literature?
- Provided as much data as possible to support my aims and hypotheses?
- Left out all nonessential information?
- Have I thought about using my NIH application to apply to a non-PHS organization?
Submitting the Application
- Have I read the following pages for guidance on submitting my application and passing validations?
- Did I not include information in my application that I will send to NIH just-in-time?
- Have I refrained from including other support?
Programs and Resources for New PIs
- Do I know about NIH and NIAID programs that help new PIs? See Programs for New PIs.
- Have I checked NIH's and NIAID's online information on the application process? Go to Web Resources.
For more information, see NIAID's NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal. Find more checklists at All About Grants tutorials. |