Enroll in the ECR Program

Using the ECR Application and Vetting System (EAVS) you can enroll or update your information. ECRs remain in the program until they no longer meet the criteria. For example, if you have been accepted into the program but receive an R01, you will be removed from our database of ECRs even if you have not served as a reviewer. Please be aware that you will receive an automated email one year from the date you enrolled inquiring whether you remain interested and whether you need to update any information. If you do not reply, you will be removed from the program. If that happens in error, you are welcome to re-enroll.

The demand to serve as an ECR far exceeds what we can meet. Acceptance into the program means that your name is added to a database that Scientific Review Officers (SRO) use to find eligible reviewers in particular areas of science. To increase your chances of being recruited to serve, please reach out directly to the SROs who run the study sections that fit your expertise. The SROs are listed on the study section pages. They welcome your email!

Before you start, please review the criteria for the program. If you fit the criteria, enroll below.

To get started, make sure you have the following items available:

  • Full and up-to-date CV (Word or PDF format). Do not submit an NIH biosketch.
  • List of terms that describe your areas of scientific expertise. These should be key words or phrases that describe your scientific and technical skills and interests.
  • NIH Commons ID (case sensitive).
  • Select up to 4 CSR study sections that match your areas of research interest and expertise. Search for study sections here.
  • You will also be prompted to create a username (your university/institution email) and password to access EAVS.

If you have questions, contact us at CSRearlyCareerReviewer@mail.nih.gov.

Enroll Here

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 25 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: NIH, Project Clearance Branch, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7974, Bethesda, MD 20892-7974, ATTN: PRA (0925). Do not return the completed form to this address.
The information provided in your online application will be kept private to the extent allowed by law and not disclosed to anyone but the staff of CSR that process the application except as otherwise required by law. The Public Health and Welfare Act provides the legislative authority for the Early Career Reviewer Program, including the online application, under U.S.C. Title 42. Your online application to the ECR program is strictly voluntary and there are no consequences for choosing not to participate. You may choose to email your CV, areas of expertise, and study section selections to the CSRearlyCareerReviewer@mail.nih.gov.