Perspective on Peer Review

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In the vast majority of cases, NIAID makes funding decisions based on the scientific and technical merit of the research proposed, as determined by peer reviewers.

We do not give money to investigators for being established or well known.

• At initial peer review meetings, reviewers assess the quality of each application.
  • Scientists with appropriate expertise come to NIH from around the country to participate.
  • They evaluate each project based on NIH review criteria and their own ideal of an outstanding application in the field.
  • Learn how to "sell" your application to reviewers in Part 4. Target Your Audience of the NIH Grant Cycle.
  • Read more about peer review in Part 8. Assignment and Review of the NIH Grant Cycle.
• Each application that receives a score also undergoes a second-level review usually by NIAID's main advisory Council.
  • This process looks at administrative problems, e.g., human subjects or research animal concerns, and special circumstances, such as applications from foreign organizations.
  • Read more in Part 9. Second-Level Review.

Find more information online:

• Advisory Council portal
• Peer Review portal
• NIH Center for Scientific Review

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