SUMMARY OF COMMENTS ON INTEGRATED REVIEW GROUPS
FROM AD HOC WORKING GROUPS
TO THE CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 2002
Table of Contents
- Background
- Scope and Breadth of the Science Reviewed
- Appropriateness, Qualifications, and Stature of the Reviewers
- Policies, Procedures, and Management of the Meeting
- Accommodation of New Directions and Emerging Areas
- Fairness of Reviews for all the Grant Mechanisms
- Appendix: Ad Hoc Working Group Rosters
Background: In September 1998, the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) Advisory Committee recommended the formation of ad hoc Working Groups to provide advice on the organization, management, and leadership of the Initial Review Groups (IRGs) and their component study sections. The goal was to ensure that all applications assigned to the IRGs consistently receive high quality reviews. The Working Groups were to include active, widely respected researchers in disciplines related to those reviewed by the IRGs. Since then, all 19 Working Groups have been constituted, conducted their reviews of their assigned IRG, and reported their findings to the CSR Advisory Committee. (Rosters of the Working Groups are provided in an appendix to this summary.)
Charge: Each of the Working Groups reviewed the organization and operation of study sections within an IRG. They specifically assessed the scope and depth of the study sections review responsibilities, the distribution of topics and grant applications among study sections, shared interests between study sections, and the capability of the study sections to recognize and fairly assess novel approaches, concepts, and methodologies that may emerge in the portfolio of grant applications reviewed in the IRG. The Working Groups also examined the manner in which different grant mechanisms were reviewed and the consistency of review practices among the several study sections of the IRG. They considered the procedures and criteria used to select both charter and temporary members of the study sections and discussed ways these practices could be changed to improve the review process. The appropriateness of the specific areas of expertise represented among study section members was also examined. In addition, the Working Groups examined how Scientific Review Administrators (SRAs) chose reviewers and managed the review process to ensure fair, comprehensive, and consistent reviews.
The comments of the Working Groups tended to fall within five general areas: (1) scope and breadth of the science reviewed; (2) appropriateness, qualifications, and stature of the reviewers; (3) policies, procedures, and the management of the meeting; (4) accommodation of new directions and emerging areas; and (5) fairness of reviews for all the grant mechanisms.
The following is a summary of the Working Group observations and the actions taken by CSR.
[Back to Top]
Scope and Breadth of the Science Reviewed
Working Group Observations
Study Section Workload: Review workload has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the peer review process. Working Group members found that a study section workload of between 60 to 80 applications per review cycle was optimal. Study sections with review loads outside this range tended to show aberrations that had a negative impact on the quality of review and the morale of the reviewers, particularly study sections with over 90 or fewer than 50 applications to review. However, the number of applications alone does not insure an appropriately constituted study section. Several study sections with review loads within the 60 to 80 applications range were referred to as two (or even three) study sections meeting in the same room at the same time or were so scientifically broad that there were few experts for any one application. A few smaller study sections carried workloads of 50 applications or less because they reviewed unique applications that did not have obvious or appropriate homes elsewhere. Some clinical research study sections fell into this category. While it was recognized that the SRAs, Chairs, and reviewers worked well together to overcome these problems, it was hoped that the broader reorganization activities currently underway would be cognizant of these challenges.
Cohesiveness of Research Topics: Working Groups reported that the study sections in at least five IRGs needed to be examined to clarify shared interest, workload balance, or the cohesiveness of the research topics they covered. Of particular concern were all three neuroscience IRGs, the Endocrinology and Reproductive Sciences and the Nutritional and Metabolic Sciences IRGs and the Risk, Prevention and Health Behavior IRG.
Clustering of Research Topics: The Working Groups identified a number of areas that were either emerging, declining, or in need of clustering in order to achieve a critical mass of applications. They specifically noted a need to cluster clinical research, including parasitology, surgery, vaccine development and nutrition/metabolism, as well as muscle biology research and lipid and lipoprotein research. Informatics, proteomics, genomics, design-directed and hypothesis-generating research were recognized as emerging fields that CSR needed to address. Members of the Working Groups suggested that applications involving informatics as a tool should be reviewed within the context of the scientific question, whereas applications related to the development of informatics methodology should be reviewed separately.
CSR Actions
IRG Reorganization: As CSR has moved forward with the reorganization of IRGs, its reorganization teams (Study Section Boundary Teams) have been given those portions of the reports of the IRG Working Groups that relate to study section organization, and their attention has been drawn to the optimal study section size, clustering of scientific areas, and the problems of cohesiveness in certain existing study sections. These teams have also been charged with creating new study sections within the range of 60 to 80 applications or identifying alternatives that would ensure an appropriate review load that would not jeopardize scientific balance or cohesion.
Adjustments to Study Section Research Topics: In the meantime, CSR has implemented several recommendations for specific study sections that adjust scientific boundaries to accommodate workloads. Specifically, the Pathology C study section was created from the Pathology B and Metabolic Pathology study sections that had been reviewing just under 300 applications a round between them. In addition, adjustments have been made between the various study sections within the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience IRG to reestablish appropriate scientific boundaries and workloads. Adjustments are also being made to the following study sections to provide more appropriate focus and balance: Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry; Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience 5 and 6; Medical Biochemistry; Medicinal Chemistry; and Orthopedics. The locus of the review of lipid/lipoprotein applications is problematic and will require the advice of the Study Section Boundary Teams. In March 2001, CSR convened a special ad hoc working group to provide advice on muscle biology. The CSR Advisory Committee accepted this group's report. The new Skeletal Muscle Biology study section met for the first time in October 2001. While Working Groups identified additional problems, they thought it best for CSR to wait and address them when the IRGs are reorganized. The Endocrinology and Reproductive Sciences IRG was one such example as were the Lung Biology and Pathology and the Surgery, Anesthesiology and Trauma study sections. The reorganization teams that will recommend new study sections from the set of applications that make up the current Endocrinology and Reproductive Sciences IRG and the Lung Biology and Pathology study section will meet in late spring 2002. And finally, the Bioengineering Sciences and Technology IRG Study Section Boundary Team recently met and recommended the formation of a study section that would be appropriate for the review of informatics and engineering-related applications.
[Back to Top]
Appropriateness, Qualifications, and Stature of the Reviewers
Working Group Observations
Qualifications and Diversity: With few exceptions, the Working Groups found reviewer expertise, qualifications, and fairness to be outstanding with a good mix of junior and senior reviewers. Nevertheless, the Working Group members indicated that many study sections could benefit from a cadre of more senior reviewers and clinicians.
Similarly, the Working Groups observed that the membership of many CSR study sections represents an appropriate balance of women and minorities reviewers. Still, diversity continues to be a problem for some study sections. The issue is usually, but not always, minorities rather than women. The Working Groups believed that it is important for CSR to renew its efforts to ensure appropriate representation.
Reviewer Commitment and Incentives: Working Group members were disturbed by what appeared to be a lack of commitment on the part of some reviewers as evidenced by late arrivals and early departures from meetings. Some members of the Working Groups suggested greater incentives, such as extending current grant periods, or larger honorarium, to encourage participation and commitment. Others suggested that a pool of senior reviewers that rotated among study sections would promote consistency across study sections. It was also suggested that National Institutes of Health (NIH) show greater flexibility in service.
CSR Actions
Reviewer Appointments: The Director of NIH sets the general terms of appointment for study section service through her Committee Management Office. CSR is discussing several modifications to the current appointment structure with this office. For example, the CSR Advisory Committee has endorsed the concept of a master reviewer category with a term of service significantly different from current regular membership service. Master reviewers could be used either as a floating pool of expertise within an IRG, or for less frequent service within a dedicated study section. There have also been additional discussions on methods for enhancing diversity on study sections.
Reviewer Incentives: The duration of an NIH grant, and any extension to it, is determined by the funding Institute, not CSR. The Director of CSR has discussed the recommendation of extending the term of a grant award for regular CSR reviewers with the Directors of the funding Institutes and Centers. The Directors, however, have been reluctant to implement such a plan because of the cost and the principle of not funding non-peer reviewed research.
[Back to Top]
Policies, Procedures, and Management of the Meeting
Working Group Observations
Reviewer Orientation: Working Group members acknowledged that CSR has developed a useful set of documents covering orientation of reviewers and Chairs and their roles. The orientation on polices and procedures at the beginning of the meeting are also effective. However, these documents and the orientation are not sufficient. There needs to be a more pro-active involvement of the Chair and SRA in the training of new and temporary members well before the meeting. Issues that should be covered include preparing a critique, de-emphasizing methodological details, scoring applications, and effectively presenting critiques during the meeting.
Study Section Chairs: Working Group members also observed that Chairs were almost always helpful, conscientious, and very effective as role models or mentors. A few Chairs, however, were less adept in developing consensus; incorporating temporary, new reviewer, and telephone or mail reviewer comments; or maintaining a positive environment at the meeting. Some Chairs were not sufficiently forceful in guiding the discussion towards an appropriate balance between methods and "impact," or in keeping the reviewers from reading their reviews verbatim. There was also inconsistent and uneven attention to the current five review criteria. Members of the Working Groups suggested that CSR explore ways to train Chairs in the art of group dynamics and consensus development, as well as in the policies and practices of peer review, before they assume their responsibilities.
Study Section and Reviewer Assignments: Some members of the Working Groups suggested that, when an applicant is dissatisfied with his or her study section assignment and the issue cannot be resolved by the SRAs, the Chairs of the relevant study sections should be consulted. Working Groups also noted that the assignment of applications to reviewers was usually appropriate. Nevertheless, Chairs, or another senior member of the study section, can provide positive assistance to the SRA in the assignment of applications to reviewers and should review the assignments before the mailing. However, they cautioned against individual reviewers being allowed to select which applications they would review. Working Groups also noted that there should be an appropriate workload for reviewers. More than 10 written review assignments were excessive and more than a total of 14 assignments, whether as readers or writers, was also excessive. Similarly, they observed that reviewers with fewer than 5 assignments would probably have difficulty calibrating their scores.
Electronic-Assisted Review: The Internet-assisted peer review module was seen as a very positive tool. However, its effectiveness in informing the discussion at the meeting was limited when access to others' reviews was less than 3 days before the meeting. The reviewers in the AIDS and Related Research IRG also lauded the pilot testing of CDs to distribute grant applications.
Telephone and Mail Reviewers, and Study Section Size: Reviews involving a telephone consultant were often a distraction and in the view of the Working Groups should be limited. They felt it was also difficult to judge the merits of written reviews from outside consultants. Telephone and written reviews were best received when the study section members knew the outside consultant. The number of reviewers at the meeting also affected the process. The ability to hear a review was compromised when there were more than 30 reviewers at the table, and more than 35 reviewers at the table was particularly problematic.
"Not Scoring" Applications: Opinions varied on the merits of "not scoring" applications and the process. Many felt that the practice helped focus the discussion at the meeting and made efficient use of time. Others were concerned about the impact of the "not scored" designation on new investigator applications. There was also a concern about over-attention to designating exactly 50 percent of the applications as "not scored." Working Groups voiced concern that the reviewers, particularly the new and temporary reviewers, could not calibrate their recommendations with the study section and that the study section recommendation was really not a consensus since there had been no discussion. This concern gave rise to a great deal of unease with the outcome. CSR was encouraged to explore ways to address these concerns.
Review of Patient-Oriented Research Applications: Many reviewers in study sections that see relatively few clinical research applications were found to be confused or frustrated by the numerous changes, the greater commentary detail required, and the overly long documentation on the proper way to evaluate the inclusion of women, minorities, and children. Working Group members suggested that CSR explore ways in which study sections can be better informed and guided through this process.
Scoring Applications: From the view of the Working Groups scoring applications presented at least two problems: clustering or compressing the range of scores, and "payline chasing." Payline chasing (reviewers recommending priority scores that they imagine will assure funding for a large number of applications) can lead to a high rate of revised applications and a disconnect between inherent merit and priority score. This is a particular problem for amended applications were there is often a sense of obligation to give a better score. Reviewers should be free to add their perspective and score appropriately. In some study sections, the Chair inappropriately discussed the "unofficial pay-line." Both clustering and payline chasing can have a negative impact on identifying the best research.
Modular Budgets: The modular budget process was largely disliked. Many Working Groups commented that the issue was not the modules per se, but the absence of any meaningful budget justification. Even though the Chairs and SRAs repeatedly asked for budget comments, the reviewers were often reluctant to provide advice. As a result, many reviewers, particularly newer reviewers, seemed to ignore the applicants' budget requests.
CSR Actions
Reviewer Training: In December 2001, CSR formed an internal team to develop a set of practices and guidelines that have been found effective in training new and temporary reviewers. The objective is to develop a standard process that can be used by SRAs to assure effective training of reviewers. A document will be produced that covers training on critique preparation, budget recommendations, scoring, and verbal delivery, as well as training on the guidelines for the inclusion of women, minorities, and children in clinical research. The issues raised by the Working Groups will be the central focus of this document.
Chair Training: CSR is exploring ways to provide effective assistance and training for Chairs. Issues that would be addressed include group dynamics, consensus development, managing the discussion process, and balancing considerations of impact versus methodology. This effort will involve polling current and recent Chairs for advice on the most appropriate topics and format. Options that are being considered include a 1-day training session for all new Chairs within an IRG or multiple IRGs that would involve former Chairs as potential instructors.
Study Section Meeting Management: In August 2000, following the initial IRG Working Group meetings, CSR began developing a Best Practices document for SRAs that included a wide range of advice on meeting management. This document is frequently updated and is posted on the CSR intranet. This document advises SRAs that they may involve the Chair in the resolution of difficult application assignments and the assignment of applications to reviewers before the mailing. The Best Practices document also advises SRAs on the number of reviewers at a meeting, appropriate reviewer assignment load (in keeping with the observations of the Working Groups), as well as on the number of telephone reviewers for a meeting. Other topics covered include (1) information to be provided reviewers before the review meeting, (2) the optimal and maximum number of applications assigned to a reviewer, (3) the presentation of mail reviews at the meeting; (4) streamlining applications; (5) the review of different grant mechanisms, and (6) feedback to the reviewers on their voting practices. This document is being used by the IRG Chiefs as a standard to help insure consistency in the peer review process across study sections.
Electronic-Assisted Review: Use of the Internet-assisted peer review module has been expanded to include most study sections. SRAs are placing great emphasis on encouraging the reviewers to submit their critiques in a timely manner. This active encouragement is showing some success in certain study sections. Full utilization of this tool may require time for a culture change from last minute preparation to preparation a week before the meeting. CSR is also expanding the use of CDs for distribution of applications to reviewers. Nearly all study sections will be using CDs by 2003.
Not Scoring Applications: CSR is exploring options for modifying the process of designating applications as "not scored." These options include greater reliance on the Internet assisted peer review module, a brief discussion at the study section meeting highlighting the weakness of the application, or an informal period at the beginning of the meeting where reviewers privately share their observations with the other assigned reviewers. CSR regards additional testing of these options and consideration of their consequences to be necessary before a large-scale change in practices is recommended.
Spreading Scores: In October 2001, the CSR Director charged a group of SRAs with codifying a set of practices that appear to be effective in helping study sections spread their scores. The study sections led by the SRAs on this internal group have excellent track records in this regard. A set of effective practices will be developed from this report and will become part of the Best Practices document available on the CSR intranet and will be integrated into the SRA training curriculum.
Modular Budgets: The Modular Budget format has been mandated by the Director of NIH and implemented by the Deputy Director for Extramural Research, NIH. The CSR has shared the comments of the IRG Working Groups with the NIH Office of Extramural Research, the office responsible for the implementation and evaluation of this policy. CSR has been advised that there will be an evaluation of the modular budget policy.
[Back to Top]
Accommodation of New Directions and Emerging Areas
Working Group Observations
Working Group members reported that, while there were many innovative applications (recognizing that the definition of "innovative" varies among reviewers), there were very few applications that could be categorized as truly novel or potentially high impact with inherent high risk. In general, it was felt that these applications were reviewed appropriately. Nevertheless, it was noted that there was a tendency for reviewers, particularly newer or less experienced reviewers, to dwell unnecessarily on methodological concerns. This may lead to the perceived frequency with which such applications need to be resubmitted, and thus a disincentive to submitting such applications. Working Group members suggested that greater representation of senior reviewers on study sections and improved training of new reviewers before the study section meeting could help rectify this trend.
CSR Actions
It is hoped that recruiting senior reviewers as mentioned above will help improve the balance and tenor of study section discussions and help reviewers better focus on the broader implications of the proposed research. The Best Practices document being developed to guide SRAs in training new and temporary reviewers will include a section on pre-meeting training to help reviewers put methodological concerns into perspective.
[Back to Top]
Fairness of Reviews for all the Grant Mechanisms
Working Group Observations
Working Groups reported on several applicant or application categories that are different from the standard R01s: AREA (R15), Fellowship (F31, F32, and F33), Exploratory (R21) applications, and R01 applications from new investigators. There was a strong sense that these applications receive appropriate review, but it was suggested that clustering them within the study sections or moving them to separate review groups could enhance peer review. Although not a universally held position, most Working Group members thought that Fellowship applications should be reviewed in separate study sections dedicated to such reviews. In addition, it was reported that greater attention needed to be given to the criteria for Exploratory (R21) applications. This funding mechanism is used in a variety of ways by the funding Institutes to achieve a range of very different goals and objectives. Finally, the term "new investigator" is too broadly defined by NIH and should be reconsidered.
CSR Actions
Beginning with the review meetings held in October 2001, most Fellowship applications will be reviewed in study sections dedicated to Fellowship applications. As for the review of other applications, CSR recognizes that it may not always be possible to cluster reviews within a study section due to the schedules of reviewers and program staff who may not be able to attend the entire meeting. Still, SRAs are being advised to cluster, where possible, the review of AREA (R15) and Exploratory (R21) applications.
[Back to Top]
Appendix: Ad Hoc Working Group Rosters
[Back to Top] | [Back to Roster Index]
AIDS & AIDS-Related Research (AARR) Working Group
Chairperson
Schoenbaum, Ellie E., MD
Professor
Department Of Epidemiology & Social Medicine
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Bronx, NY 10467-2490
Members
Clark, Alice M., PhD
Vice Chancellor
Office Of Research & Sponsored Programs
University Of Mississippi
School Of Pharmacy
University, MS 38677
Hunter, Eric, PhD
Director, AIDS Center
Professor Of Microbiology
Department Of Microbiology
University Of Alabama
Birmingham, AL 35294
Mascola, John R., MD
Deputy Director
Vaccine Research Center
National Institute Of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Patterson, Thomas, PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychiatry
University Of California
La Jolla CA 92093
Raab-Traub, Nancy J., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology & Immunology
School Of Medicine
University Of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295
Steinman, Ralph M., MD
Professor
Laboratory Of Cell Physiology & Immunology
The Rockefeller University
New York, NY 10021
Wechsberg, Wendee, M., PhD
Director, Substance Abuse, Experimental Evaluation & Interventions
Center For Interdisciplinary Substance Abuse Research
Research Triangle Institute International
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Wigdahl, Brian, L., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology & Immunology
Hershey Medical Center
Pennsylvania State University
Hershey, PA 17033
Designated Federal Official
Elliot Postow, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20872
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Behavioral and Biobehavioral Processes (BBBP) Working Group
Chairperson
Tager-Flusberg, Helen B., PhD
Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Massachusetts
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Ad Hoc
Cornblatt, Barbara Ann, PhD
Professor
Psychiatry Research
Hillside Hospital
Glen Oaks, NY 11004
Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychiatry
Division Of Health Psychology
College Of Medicine
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
Landry, Susan H., PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Pediatrics
University Of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, TX 77030
McClean, Michael D., PhD
Speech Scientist
Army Audiology & Speech Center
Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC)
Washington, DC 20307
Morrison, Frederick J., PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychology
Loyola University, Chicago
Chicago, IL 60626
Pacifici, Caesar, PhD
Director Of Research
Northwest Media, Inc.
Eugene, OR 97401
Woolverton, William L., PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychiatry & Human Behavior
University Of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, MS 39216
Designated Federal Official
Postow, Elliot, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Biochemical Sciences (BCS) Working Group
Chairperson
Bond, Judith S., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pennsylvania State University, College Of Medicine
Hershey, PA 17033?0850
Members
Davis, Pamela B., MD, PhD
Professor Of Pediatrics
Department Of Pediatrics
Case Western Reserve University
School Of Medicine
Cleveland, OH 44106
Etzler, Marilynn E., PhD
Professor Of Biochemistry
Department Of Biochemistry & Biophysics
College Of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
University Of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
Frey, Perry A., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biochemistry
Institute For Enzyme Research
University Of Wisconsin
Madison, Wl 53705?4087
Hook, Magnus A., PhD
Director
Center For Extracellular Matrix Biology
Institute Of Bioscience & Technology
Texas A & M University
Houston, TX 77030
Hurwitz, Jerard, PhD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Molecular Biology
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
New York, NY 10021
Klebe, Robert J., PhD
Professor
Department Of Cellular and Structural Biology
University Of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78284
Leslie, Christina C., PhD
Senior Faculty Member
Department Of Pediatrics
National Jewish Center
Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
Denver, CO 80206
Scientific Review Administrator
Bengali, Zakir, PhD
Chief, BCS Integrated Review Group
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Designated Federal Official
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director, DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Biophysical and Chemical Sciences (BPC) Working Group
Chairperson
Prendergast, Franklyn G., PhD, MD
Professor
Department Of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics
Mayo Foundation
Rochester, MN 55905-3008
Members
Anderson, Paul S., PhD
Senior Vice President
Division Of Chemical & Physical Sciences
Dupont Pharmaceuticals Company
Experimental Station
Wilmington, DE 19880-0500
Beattie, Diana S., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Biochemistry
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506-9142
Chiu, Wah, PhD
Professor
Department Of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baylor College Of Medicine
Houston, TX 77030
Gray, Harry B., PhD
Arnold O. Beckman Professor
Department Of Chemistry
California Institute Of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
Katzenellenbogen, John A., PhD
Professor Of Chemistry
Department Of Chemistry
School Of Chemical Sciences
University Of Illinois
Urbana, IL 61801
Kenyon, George L., PhD
Dean and Tom D. Rowe Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
College Of Pharmacy
University Of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Ml 48109-1065
Mckay, David B., PhD
Professor
Department Of Structure Biology
Stanford University School Of Medicine
Stanford, CA 94305
Olson, Wilmak, PhD
Professor
Department Of Chemistry
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Winge, Dennis R., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biochemistry & Medicine
School Of Medicine
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Scientific Review Administrator
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director, DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience (BDCN) Working Group
Chairman
Traystman, Richard J., PhD
Distinguished University Professor
Senior Vice-Chairman
Department Of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine
Baltimore, MD 21287
Members
Basbaum, Alan T., PhD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Anatomy
University Of California, San Francisco
School Of Medicine
San Francisco, CA 94143
Berrettini, Wade H., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychiatry
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Chesselet, Marie-Francoise S., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Neurology
UCLA School Of Medicine
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769
Lewis, Mark H., PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychiatry
University Of Florida Health Science Center
Gainsville, FL 32610-0256
Pandey, Ghanshyam N., PhD
Professor
The Psychiatric Institute
University Of Illinois
Chicago, IL 60612-4397
Ransohoff, Richard M., MD
Professor
Department Of Neurosciences
The Lerner Research Institute
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, OH 44195-5178
Shelanski, Michael L., MD, PhD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Pathology and Taub Institute For Research
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032
Zivin, Justin, MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Neurosciences
University Of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093-0624
Designated Federal Official
Elliot Postow, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] | Roster List
Cell Development and Function (CDF) Working Group
Chairperson
Schekman, Randy, PhD
Professor
HHMI Investigator
Department Of Molecular & Cell Biology
University Of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-3202
Members
Ebner, Timothy J., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Neuroscience
University Of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Emerson, Charles P. Jr., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Cell & Developmental Biology
University Of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6058
Epstein, Henry F., MD
Professor
Department Of Neurology
Baylor College Of Medicine
Houston, TX 77030
Graves, Barbara J., PhD
Professor and Chair
Huntsman Cancer Institute
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112.
Malhotra, Vivek, PhD
Professor
Department Of Biology
School Of Medicine
University Of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093-0347
Marzluff, William F. Jr., PhD
Professor and Chairman
Program In Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4100
Shuttleworth, Trevor J., PhD
Professor
Department Of Pharmacology
University Of Rochester
School Of Medicine & Dentistry
Rochester, NY 14642
Simpson, Robert T., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
Zahniser, David J., PhD
Vice President For Scientific Affairs
CYTYC Corporation
85 Swanson Road
Boxborough, MA 01719
Scientific Review Administrator
Steinberg, Marcia, PhD
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Designated Federal Official
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director, DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Cardiovascular Sciences (CVS) Working Group
Chairperson
Coller, Barry S., MD
Professor
Hematology Society
Mount Sinai, New York
State University Of New York
New York, NY 10128
Members
Ferrario, Carlos M., MD
Director
Hypertension and Vascular Disease Center
Wake Forest University
Bowman Gray School Of Medicine
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1032
Handin, Robert I., MD
Chief, Hematology
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Boston, MA 02115
Heistad, Donald D., MD
Director, Division Of Cardiology
Department Of Internal Medicine
University Of Iowa College Of Medicine
Iowa City, IA 52242
Lau, Serrine S., PhD
Professor
Department Of Pharmacology & Toxicology
College Of Pharmacy
University Of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712-1074
Mann, Kenneth G
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Biochemistry
College Of Medicine
University Of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405
Nath, Karl A., MBCH, MD
Professor
Department Of Internal Medicine
Division Of Nephrology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN 55905
Robbins, Jeffrey, PhD
Professor
Department Of Pediatrics
Division Of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology
University Of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Roden, Dan M., MD
Professor Of Medicine & Pharmacology
Vanderbilt University
School Of Medicine
Nashville, TN 55905
Designated Federal Official
Martin, Michael R., PhD
Director, DPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] | Roster List
Endocrinology And Reproductive (ENR) Sciences & Nutritional And Metabolic Sciences (NMS) Working Group
Chairperson
Keen, Carl L., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Nutrition
University Of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
Corkey, Barbara E., MD
Professor
Department Of Medicine
Obesity Research Center
Boston University
Boston, MA 02118
Franklin, Renty B., PhD
Professor
Department Of OCBS/Molecular & Cell Biology
University Of Maryland Dental School
Baltimore, MD 21201
Gishan, Fayez K., MD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Pediatrics
School Of Medicine
University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85724
Gregory, Jesse F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Food Science & Human Nutrition
Institute Of Food & Agricultural Sciences
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-0370
Howard, Barbara V., PhD
President
Medlantic Research Institute
Hyman 242
Washington, DC 20010-2933
Nilson, John H., PhD
John H. Hord Professor and Chair
Department Of Pharmacology
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106-4965
Designated Federal Official
Martin, Michael R., PhD
Director. DPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Genetic Sciences (GNS) Working Group
Chairperson
Beaudet, Arthur L., MD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Molecular & Human Genetics
Baylor College Of Medicine
Houston, TX 77030
Members
Fields, Stanley H., PhD
HHMI Investigator and Professor
Department Of Genetics
University Of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
Hittelman, Walter N., PhD
Professor Of Medicine
Department Of Clinical Investigation
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX 77030
Hobbs, Helen H., MD
Professor
Department Of Molecular Genetics
Graduate School Of Biomedical Sciences
University Of Texas SW Medical Center
Dallas, TX 75235
Mackay, Trudy F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Genetics
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7614
Snyder, Michael P., PhD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520-8103
Scientific Review Administrator
Pearson, Nancy, PhD
Chief, GNS Integrated Review Group
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of HealthI
Bethesda, MD 20892|
Designated Federal Official
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director. DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (IDM) Working Group
Chairperson
Iglewski, Barbara H., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology & Immunology
University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14642
Ad Hoc
Holmes, Kathryn V., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology
Health Science Center
University Of Colorado
Denver, CO 80262
Laimins, Laimonis A., PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Microbiology & Immunology
School Of Medicine
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL 60611
Ludden, Paul W., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biochemistry
College Of Agriculture & Life Sciences
University Of Wisconsin
Madison, Wl 53706
Lutkenhaus, Joseph F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology
University Of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, KS 66160-0001
Reeve, John N., PhD
Professor
Department Of Microbiology
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210-1292
Schmid, Molly B., PhD
Senior Director Of Functional Genomics
Genencor International
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1013
Squires, Catherine L., PhD
Professor
Department of Molecular Biology & Microbiology
Tufts University School Of Medicine
Boston, MA 02111
Tanowitz, Herbert B., MD
Professor
Department Of Pathology
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Bronx, NY 10461
Weinstock, George M., PhD
Professor and Co-Director
Human Genome Sequencing Center
Baylor College Of Medicine
Houston, TX 77030
Whaley, Kevin J., PhD
Director
Antibody Discovery
Epicyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92121
Scientific Review Administrator
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director. DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Grants Technical Assistant
Shifflett, Virginia
Administrative Review Assistant
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Integrative, Functional & Cognitive Neurosciences (IFCN) Working Group
Chairperson
Koob, George F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Neuropharmacology
Division Of Psychopharmacology
The Scripps Research Institute
La Jolla, CA 92037
Members
Dubocovich, Margarita L., PhD
Professor
Department Of Molecular Pharmacology & Biological Chemistry
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, IL 60611
Lee, Nancy M., PhD
Senior Scientist
Geraldine Brush Cancer Research Institute
California-Pacific Medical Center
Research Institute
San Francisco, CA 94115
Manis, Paul B., PhD
Professor
Division Of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Department Of Surgery
University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Marder, Eve E., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biology
Brandeis Unveristy
Waltham, MA 02254
Maunsell, John H., PhD
Professor
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Baylor College Of Medicine
Division Of Neuroscience
Houston, TX 77030
Mendell, Lorne M., PhD
Professor
Department Of Neurobiology and Behavior
SUNY at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230
Paige, Gary D., PhD, MD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Neurobiology & Anatomy
University Of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, NY 14642
Victor, Jonathan D., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Neurology and Neuroscience
Weill Medical College Of Cornell University
New York, NY 10021
Zucker, Irving H., PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychology
College Of Letters & Science
University Of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
Designated Federal Official
Martin, Michael R., PhD
Director, DPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Immunological Sciences (IMM) Working Group
Chairperson
Marrack, Philippa C., PhD
Professor
Department Of Immunology
National Jewish Medical & Research Center
1400 Jackson Street
Denver, CO 80206
Members
Biron, Christine A., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology
Brown University
Providence, Rl 02912
Birshtein, Barbara, PhD
Professor
Department Of Cell Biology
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Bronx, NY 10461
Braciale, Thomas J., PhD, MD
Director and Professor
Beirne B. Carter Center Of Immunology Research
University Of Virginia Health Systems
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Busse, William W., MD
Professor Of Medicine
Head, Allergy & Immunology
University Of Wisconsin Medical School
600 Highland Ave, H6/360
Madison, Wl 53792-3244
Djeu, Julie Y., PhD
Program Leader, Immunology Program
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
University Of South Florida
12902 Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
Hammerling, Ulrich G., PhD
Member, Immunology Program
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Oliver, Janet M., PhD
Professor
Department Of Pathology and Cancer Center
University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine
2325 Camino de Salud, CRF 201
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Wei, Weizen, PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Immunology
Karmanos Cancer Institute
Wayne State University
110 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Scientific Review Administrator
Laing, Calberta, PhD
Chief, IMM Integrated Review Group
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Other Review Staff
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director. DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Neuroscience (MDCN) Working Group
Chairperson
Reichardt, Louis F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Physiology
School Of Medicine
University Of California
San Francisco, CA 94143-0723
Members
Bezanilla, Francisco J., PhD
Professor
Department Of Physiology
University Of California
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Federoff, Howard J., MD, PhD
Professor and Director
Department Of Neurology
Institute Of Biomedical Sciences
Center On Aging & Developmental Biology
University Of Rochester School Of Medicine
Rochester, NY 14642
Hall, Jeffrey C., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biology
College Of Arts and Sciences
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 02454
Kaufman, Paul L., MD
Professor
Department Of Ophthalmology
Medical School
University Of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706
Lee, Virginia M., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine
3600 Spruce St., Maloney 3rd Fl.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283
Raine, Cedric S., PhD
Professor
Department Of Pathology/Neurology
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
Raymond, Pamela A., PhD
Professor
Department Of Cell & Developmental Biology
University Of Michigan School Of Medicine
4610 Medical Science II, Bldg. 0616
Ann Arbor, MI 8109-1340
Schor, Nina F., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Pediatrics, Neurology & Pharmacology
University Of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Westbrook, Gary L., MD
Senior Scientist and Associate Professor
Department Of Neurology
Medical School
Oregon Health Sciences University
Portland, OR 97201
Wilkins, Diana G., PhD
Assistant Director
Center For Human Toxicology
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Wilson, Steven E., MD
Professor
Department Of Ophthalmology
University Of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
Scientific Review Administrator
Jelsema, Carole L., PhD
Chief, MDCN Integrated Review Group
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Other Review Staff
Schneider, Donald L., PhD
Director. DMCM
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Musculoskeletal & Dental Sciences (MSD) Working Group
Chairperson
Hruska, Keith A., MD
Professor Of Medicine, Renal Division
Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington
University Medical Center
St. Louis, MO 63110
Members
Boskey, Adele L., PhD
Professor Of Biochemistry and Cell Biology & Anatomy
Cornell University Medical College
Hospital For Special Surgery
New York, NY 10021
Cunha, Gerald R., PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Anatomy
University Of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA 94143
Ershler, William B., MD
Director
Institute For Advanced Studies In Aging & Geriatric Medicine
Washington, DC 20006
Mitch, William E., MD
Professor and Director
Department Of Medicine
Division Of Nephrology
School Of Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
Peckham, Paul H., PhD
Professor
Department Of Biomedical Engineering
Director, FES Center
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44109
Rosier, Randy N., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Orthopedic Surgery
University Of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, NY 14642
Stohler, Christian S., DDS, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Biological & Material Science
Director Of Research
University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry
Ann Arbor, Mi 48109-1028
Stricklin, George P., MD, PhD
Professor
Department Of Dermatology
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37212
Designated Federal Official
Martin, Michael R., PhD
Director, DPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Oncological Sciences (ONC) Working Group
Chairperson
Kripke, Margaret L., PhD
Vice President Of Cancer Research
University Of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX 77030
Members
Augenlicht, Leonard H., PhD
Professor
Department Of Oncology
Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, NY 10467
Doroshow, James H., MD
Director
Department Of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
City Of Hope Cancer Research Center
Duarte, CA 91010
Fernandes, Daniel J., PhD
Professor
Medical University Of South Carolina
Hollings Cancer Center
Charleston, SC 29425
Furmanski, Philip, PhD
Professor and Chairman
Department Of Biology
School Of Medicine
New York University
New York, NY 10003
Ling, Clifton C., PhD
Chairman
Department Of Medical Physics
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY 10021
Shu, Suyu C, PhD
Director
Center For Surgery Research
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, OH 44195
Scientific Review Administrator
Postow, Elliot, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] | Roster List
Pathophysiological Sciences (PPS) Working Group
Chairperson
Goyal, Raj K., MD
Professor Of Medicine, Research and Development
VA Medical Center
Harvard Medical School
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Ad Hoc
Baldwin, Kenneth M., PhD
Professor
University Of California, Irvine
Department Of Physiology & Biophysics
College Of Medicine
Irvine, CA 92697-4560
Hines, Ronald N., PhD
Professor and Co-Director
Department Of Pediatrics/Birth Defects Center
Medical College Of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital
Milwaukee, WI 53226-4801
Solway, Julian, MD
Professor
Department Of Medicine
University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637
Tache, Yvette F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Medicine
School Of Medicine
University Of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769
Ward, Peter A., MD
Professor and Chairman Of Pathology
Department Of Pathology
Medical Science I Bldg., Box 045
University Of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0602
Designated Federal Official
Martin, Michael R., PhD
Director, DPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] | Roster List
Risk, Prevention and Health Behavior (RPHB) Working Group
Chairperson
Mccubbin, James A., PhD
Professor and Chair
Department Of Psychology
College Of Business and Behavioral Science
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-1511
Members
Halverson, Charles F., PhD
Professor
Department Of Child and Family Development
University Of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
Ruble, Diane, PhD
Professor
Department Of Psychology
New York University
New York, NY 10003
Schwartz, Marc, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department Of Oncology
Lombardi Cancer Center
Georgetown University Medical School
Washington, DC 20007
Williams, Redford B. Jr., MD
Professor Of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Professor Of Medicine
Professor Of Psychology and Director, Behavioral Medicine Research Center
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
Designated Federal Official
Postow, Elliot, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Social Sciences, Nursing, Epidemiology, & Methods (SNEM) Working Group
Chairperson
Morgan, S. Philip, PhD
Professor
Department Of Sociology
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
Ad Hoc
Buring, Julie E., DSC
Professor
Ambulatory Care and Prevention
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA 02115
Cramer, Daniel, MD
Professor
Department Of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ob-Gyn Epidemiology Center
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, MA 02115
Dickey, Barbara, PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Psychiatry
School Of Medicine
Harvard University
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, MA 02178
Ganz, Patricia A., MD
Professor
Division Of Cancer Prevention and Control Research
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Hoffman, Leslie A., PhD, FAAN, RN
Professor and Chair
Department Of Acute/Tertiary Care
School Of Nursing
University Of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Jerome, Albert, PhD
Research Consultant
Behavioral Research Associates, Inc.
Reston, VA 20190
Kelsey, Jennifer L., PhD
Professor
Department Of Health Research and Policy
Division Of Epidemiology
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5405
Lasater, Thomas M., PhD
Director Of Research and Professor Of Community Health
Brown University Center For Primary Care
& Prevention
Memorial Hospital Of Rhode Island
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Lehoczky, John P., PhD
Professor
Department Of Statistics
College Of Humanities and Social Sciences
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Tilson, Hugh A., PhD
Research Planning and Coordination Branch
US Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Designated Federal Official
Postow, Elliot, PhD
Director, DCPS
Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
[Back to Top] [Back to Roster Index]
Surgery, Radiology, & Bioengineering (SRB) Working Group
Chairperson
Maier, Ronald V., MD
Professor Of Surgery
School Of Medicine
University Of Washington
Seattle, WA 98104
Members
Billiar, Timothy R., MD, PhD
Professor & Chair, Department Of Surgery
University Of Pittsburgh
Presbyterian University Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
Evelhoch, Jeffrey L., PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Internal Medicine/MR Center
Wayne State University/Harper Hospital
Detroit, MI 48201
Miller, D.C., MD
Professor, Cardiovascular Surgery
Stanford University School Of Medicine
Stanford, CA 04305-5247
Samsel, Richard W., MD
Vice President For Informatics
Cyberpulse, LLC.
Chicago, IL 60637
Staiano-Coico, Lisa F., PhD
Professor and Senior Associate Dean For
Research, Department Of Surgery
Weill Medical College
Cornell University
New York, NY 10021
Vannier, Michael W., MD
Professor, Department Of Radiology
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52240
Von Ramm, Olaf T., PhD
Associate Professor
Department Of Biomedical Engineering
School Of Engineering
Duke University
Durham, NC 27706