CSR’s primary role is to handle the receipt and review of ~ 75% of the grant applications that NIH receives. NIH separates the review process from funding decisions.
For Reviewers
Reviewers are critical to our mission to see that NIH grant applications receive, fair, independent, expert, and timely scientific reviews. We appreciate the generosity with which reviewers give their time.
News & Policy
The latest news and policy updates from CSR. Read about our outreach programs and publications.
Study Sections
Applications are reviewed in study sections (Scientific Review Group, SRG). Review Branches (RBs) are clusters of study sections based on scientific discipline.
Review Panels & Dates
Applications are reviewed in study sections (Scientific Review Group, SRG). Review Branches (RBs) are clusters of study sections based on scientific discipline.
I’m extremely busy this semester and don’t see how I can finish all my critiques in time. What’s the harm in asking my senior postdoc to help me out?
Which relationships constitute a conflict of interest in initial peer review?
Which relationships do NOT constitute a conflict?
Are training…
Ask the Right Person for Help:
Before you submit your application-
Speak with a program officer (PO) at the NIH institute or center that you think might be interested in funding your application. You can identify potential program officers by using NIH RePorter to search for funded grants in…
For questions about the appropriateness of the scientific review group assignment, the investigator should contact the scientific review officer.
For questions about the assigned funding institute, contact the Division of Receipt and referral at csrdrr@mail.nih.gov.
When…
Dr. Hope Cummings is a Senior Social Science Analyst who supports CSR’s research and evaluation efforts. Dr. Cummings received her Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Michigan and did post-doctoral training in the Harvard School of Public Health. As a social and behavioral…
Does the NIH policy on rigor and transparency apply to all types of NIH grants?
Where in grant applications should applicants address the four focus areas of the NIH policy on rigor and transparency?
What is the difference between "rigor of the prior research" and "significance"?
Should…
Avoid These Pitfalls in the Submission Process
Failing to appreciate that submission is a multi-step process
Submitting your application at the last minute
Not using the right application form
Not paying close attention to the instructions
Submitting an incomplete application
Overstuffing…
Dr. Noni Byrnes is Director of the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this capacity, she leads a staff of more than 500 scientific, support and contract personnel and manages an operating budget of over $130 million.
CSR handles the receipt and…
Welcome to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
Dr. Noni Byrnes is Director of the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this capacity, she leads a staff of about 600 scientific, support and contract personnel, and is responsible for…
Dr. Debbi Quesenberry received her Ph.D. in educational research methodology and statistics from the University of Memphis and is a Registered Dietitian. Prior to joining CSR, Dr. Quesenberry was Professor and Chair of Community and Behavioral Health in the College of Public Health at East…
Dr. Jacinta Bronte-Tinkew serves as Chief of the Clinical Care and Health Interventions Review Branch (CCHI RB).Dr. Bronte-Tinkew earned her Ph.D. in demography from the Pennsylvania State University--University Park, and completed post-graduate studies at the Netherlands Interdisciplinary…