CSR’s primary role is to handle the receipt and review of all 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.
Study Sections
Applications are reviewed in study sections (Scientific Review Groups, SRGs). Review Branches (RBs) are clusters of study sections based on scientific discipline.
Review Meetings
Applications are reviewed in study sections (Scientific Review Groups, SRGs). Review Branches (RBs) are clusters of study sections based on scientific discipline.
Evaluation Initiatives
Access data visualizations, reports, and analytical tools to track progress.
About CSR
Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.
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cc.nih.gov.
Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at
OPM.gov.
Benefits of the ECR Program
Work side-by-side with some of the most accomplished researchers in your field to help NIH identify the most promising grant applications
Learn how reviewers determine overall impact scores
Improve your own grant writing skills by getting an insider’s view of how…
Get answers to the questions reviewers often ask.Conflict of Interest/ConfidentialityReview ProcessPremise, Rigor, Sex as a Biological VariableVertebrate AnimalsClinical TrialsInvestigator Career Stage BenefitsModel OrganismsSmall Business: SBIR/STTRR15 SpecificHave More Questions?Check out the…
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…
I’ve read the definitions of Significance and Overall Impact but the two still seem rather similar. Can you provide some additional guidance?
When determining the Overall Impact score, should it equal the arithmetic mean of the scores for the scored review criteria?
Is it possible for an…
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?
I’m confused about the term “scientific premise or rigor” and how it is different from “…
How has the Vertebrate Animals Section (VAS) of the application changed?
What are the VAS criteria that must be addressed?
Do applicants describe all proposed procedures on animals in the VAS?
Do applicants describe and justify the sex of the animals proposed in the VAS? Do applicants justify…
Why is the NIH definition of a clinical trial so broad?
What is the difference between clinical research and a clinical trial?
Does the primary outcome of a study need to be a health-related outcome in order for a study to be considered a clinical trial?
Why is the NIH definition of a…
How does NIH describe an Early Stage Investigator (ESI)?
What are the advantages of early stage investigator (ESI) status?
How does NIH describe an Early Stage Investigator (ESI)?
An ESI, or Early Stage Investigator, is a Program Director / Principal Investigator (PD/PI) who has completed…
For purposes of NIH policy, which organisms are considered “model organisms,” and which are related research “resources” that must be added?
How will the adequacy of my sharing and distribution plan be evaluated?
What is expected of Scientific Review Officers (SROs) and reviewers?
For…
Who is included in the small business peer-review study sections?
What are the differences between the SBIR and STTR programs?
What is a Fast-track award?
How do I become an NIH SBIR/STTR application reviewer?
Who is included in the small business peer-review study sections?
Small business…