The Advisory Committee to the Director of the Center for Scientific Review discussed the organization of the GMA-2 study section at its May 20, 2002 meeting. GMA-2 study section is dedicated to the review of applications focused on normal physiological processes of gastroenterology, gastrointestinal diseases and pathology. Over the past three years the number of applications assigned to GMA-2 study section has been excessive. In its last three years GMA-2 has typically reviewed between 90 and 145 applications a round. An evaluation of study section operations by external advisors found that study sections that consistently are assigned review loads of greater than 90 applications have difficulty providing optimal review (http://www.csr.nih.gov/EVENTS/IRG_WG_Summary.htm). It was therefore recommended that the GMA-2 study section be divided into two review groups. The general review guidelines for the two study sections are as follows:
GMA-2 will review applications related to cell and molecular biology and physiology of GI tract including GI immunology, microbiology and inflammation. Specific areas covered by this Study Section include mechanisms and pathways of growth, differentiation, development, physiology and pathophysiology at the gene level, protein or cell levels GI host-microbial interactions, intestinal infections, inflammation (including inflammatory bowel disease), intestinal transport and ion channels, and mucosal defense and repair mechanisms.
GMA-3 will review clinically-oriented and basic research related to gastrointestinal (GI), hepatobiliary and pancreatic physiology and pathobiology. Specific areas covered by this Study Section will include GI motility, enteric nervous system/brain gut interactions, acid secretion and acid-related disease, GI hormones, pancreatic function and dysfunction, nutrient absorption and disposition, genetic determinants of digestive diseases, alcohol-liver disease, cholesterol and bile salt metabolism; hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis; liver immunology and inflammation; hepatobiliary transport and ion channels; mechanisms of hepatic cell death; repair and regeneration; pathophysiology and treatment of inherited and acquired hepatobiliary diseases; viral hepatitis and liver transplantation.
Beginning with the Sept 25, 2002, receipt date, applications that would have been assigned to GMA-2 study section will be assigned to either the GMA-2 or GMA-3 study section. Reviewers from the original GMA-2 study section will be re-assigned to form the cores of the two study sections with the balance being made up of newly recruited members. GMA-2 and GMA-3 will meet in February 2003 for the first time. These panels will end when the recommendations of phase 2 of the Panel on Scientific Boundaries of Review (http://www.csr.nih.gov/review/reorgact.asp) are implemented. This will be in approximately one to two years.
GMA-3 will be a new Special Emphasis Panel. The chartered members of GMA-2 serving on the new GMA-3 panel will continue to appear on the roster of GMA-2 as Chartered Members. Future post-meeting rosters for GMA-3 will list all participating reviewers.
Please visit the Pathophysiology IRG page at http://www.csr.nih.gov/review/ppsirg.htm for complete details regarding review responsibilities for GMA-2 and GMA-3.
If you have any questions about the composition of either panel or their suitability for the review of your application please contact:
Mushtaq A. Khan, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Chief, Pathophysiological Sciences IRG
Scientific Review Administrator
General Medicine A-2 Study Section
Center for Scientific Review, MSC 7818, Room 2176
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892 (20817 for Fed Ex)
Phone: (301) 435-1778; Fax (301) 480-1171
E-Mail: KHANM@CSR.NIH.GOV