Consider the following questions when writing multiproject grant applications. They were developed in consultation with peer reviewers -- use them as your guide.
Strong candidates should be able to confidently answer "yes" to each question.
For instructions on completing the application, please read the Instructions for Preparing a Multiproject Application.
Program Topic
- Did I check the literature to make sure the program I'm considering has not been done before, or has been done and its methods judged inadequate?
- Have I shown that I know the gaps, discrepancies, or roadblocks in my field?
- Does my program have a central focus and coherent direction, with good synergy and integration among components?
- Have I shown why a multiproject coordinated approach is required or uniquely advantageous?
Individual Projects
Preliminary Data
- Do I have sufficient preliminary data to support my project?
- Have I given an account of published and unpublished results, indicating progress toward achievement?
- Have I provided a summary of the importance of my findings in relation to my Specific Aims?
Research Plan
- Is my research innovative?
- Is my project research plan driven by a strong, well-defined hypothesis?
- Is my research plan well developed, creating strong individual projects?
- Does my project have sufficient details and focused experimental approaches?
- Did I address problems I may encounter, propose alternative approaches, and describe contingency plans?
- Did I consider the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed approaches?
- Did I explain the procedures, situations, and materials that may be hazardous to personnel? Did I list precautions I am taking?
Significance
- Have I fully articulated the significance of my work and how it will move the field forward?
Biosketch
- Do I have biosketches for all personnel in my application?
- Does each biosketch include all required sections: positions and honors, selected peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in press, and research support?
Investigators and Institutions
- Have I explained how my institution can give me the support I need to do my work?
- Do I have sufficient expertise for the work proposed?
- Am I or other leaders already involved in too many projects?
- Are the other investigators qualified to perform the research?
- Am I using collaborators or consultants to fill gaps and improve in expertise and resources?
- Does my description of resources show adequate equipment, space, and support staff to conduct the research?
- If I seek cofunding -- e.g., from a company or professional association -- did I state this in my application and provide letters from the other sources of support to confirm this?
Individual Cores
- Have I described how each core supports at least two projects?
- Did I describe the administrative infrastructure and explain how that structure will further the overall program goals?
- Have I stated the roles and responsibilities of the administrative core leader and functions of the core?
- Have I included a detailed description of the facilities, approaches, and support for each project supported by the core?
- Have I created an adequate management structure and committed an appropriate amount of time and effort for the coordination of the program?
- Have I provided for scientific meetings in which the project leaders can interact?
- Have I included the plans for prioritizing the core’s services?
- Do I have sufficient expertise to direct each core?
- Have I shown how the core will add to the central focus of the overall program?
- Have I clearly described an adequate management structure and allocated an appropriate amount of time and effort for the coordination of the program?
Overall Program Coordination
- Have I explained the significance of the overall program goals?
- Does my plan address each PI's role and responsibilities and the team's governance and organizational structure? Is a formal consortium agreement needed?
- Is each PI leading a project?
- Have I listed all the sites where my work will take place and stated which facilities are completing which parts of the project? Have I fully described coordination among them?
- Did I submit complete information on the cores: a detailed description of the facility, approach, and project support?
- Have I made provisions for data management and coordination?
- Have I described how the program is cohesive and has a common theme?
- Have I explained how the projects are coordinated and integrated into the common theme of the program?
- Have I described how the whole program is better than the individual projects (paying special attention to synergy)?
Presentation
- Is the writing clear and concise?
- Have I labeled all materials clearly so reviewers can easily find information?
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