Advice for Multiproject Applications

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• Have I given an account of published and unpublished results, indicating progress toward achievement?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?

• 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?

• 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?

• 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?