<< back to FAQs menu
|
|
|
|
How are Extramural applications assigned to an NIH Institute or Center (IC)?
Applications for the NIH Clinical Research and NIH Pediatric Research LRP that
meet basic eligibility requirements are assigned by the
NIH Center for Scientific
Review (CSR) to an NIH IC for peer review. The standard NIH referral guidelines are used.
Applications for the Health Disparities Research LRP and the Clinical Researchers from
Disadvantaged Backgrounds LRP are assigned by CSR to the National Center for Minority
Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD).
Applications for the Contraception and Infertility Research LRP are assigned by CSR
to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
|
Who reviews the applications?
Each extramural NIH LRP application is peer-reviewed by at least two non-NIH scientists selected by the ICs .
|
How can I find out which NIH Institute or Center (IC) is reviewing my application ?
NIH does not release the identity of the NIH IC that is reviewing a LRP application during
the review process. Therefore, all communications from LRP applicants should be directed
to the NIH Division of Loan Repayment. If an applicant provides information after the submission
deadline that is appropriate to be forwarded to the reviewing NIH IC, the NIH LRP office
will provide this service.
|
How are NIH LRP applications evaluated?
Each NIH peer review panel evaluates LRP applications for the applicant's potential
to succeed in a research career. This evaluation is based on (1) an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the applicant's previous training and experience in preparing for
a research career; (2) an assessment of the applicant's commitment to a research career,
as reflected by their personal statement of long-term career goals and the plan outlined
to achieve those goals; (3) the strength of their colleague's recommendations attesting
to their potential for a research career; (4) the availability of appropriate scientific
colleagues to achieve and/or enhance the applicant's research independence; and (5) the
quality and appropriateness of institutional resources and the overall environment and
facilities available to prepare the applicant for a research career.
For renewal or type 2 applications, progress under the previous project period is an
additional evaluation criterion.
|
What is the basis of the funding decisions? Is it only Priority Scores?
Each application is assigned a priority score during the peer review. NIH ICs take a holistic
approach to the funding process priority scores, the IC's specific programmatic priorities,
and the availability of funds are considered during the decision-making process.
|
Will a summary statement be provided?
NIH does not provide a summary statement for the LRP peer review. If an applicant is
not selected, a point of contact within the NIH IC will be provided to answer specific
questions and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of an application.
|
Will NIH release my score?
The NIH does not release LRP application priority scores.
|
When will reviews be completed? And when will the applicant be informed of a funding decision?
Most NIH LRP peer reviews are completed by June 1. After applications are reviewed and
scored, NIH ICs make preliminary funding selections by the beginning of June. Applicants
selected during this preliminary process receive an email from the NIH LRP office, providing
instructions on how to submit their loan documentation to the NIH, if needed. A final LRP
contract cost for each selected applicant is then calculated and provided to the NIH IC.
These costs allow the NIH ICs to make their final funding decisions. Final award decisions
are made during the late summer (August and September). LRP applicants are informed of final
funding decisions before the end of September.
|