Scientific Premise |
Description: The scientific premise for an application is the research that is used to form the basis for the proposed research question(s). NIH expects applicants to describe the general strengths and weaknesses of the prior research being cited by the applicant as crucial to support the application. It is expected that this consideration of general strengths and weaknesses include attention to the rigor of the previous experimental designs, as well as the incorporation of relevant biological variables and authentication of key resources. Review Criteria: Reviewers evaluate scientific premise as part of the Significance criterion forresearch grant applicationsand assesswhether the applicant has discussed the strengths and weaknessesof the foundational dataand describedhow the proposed research willaddresstheidentified weaknesses or gaps. |
Scientific Rigor |
Description: Scientific rigor is the strict application ofthe scientific method to ensure robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation,and reporting of results. This includes full transparency in reporting experimental details so that others may reproduce and extend the findings.Note: Scientific premisepertains to the strengths/weaknesses of the supporting data, whereas scientific rigorpertainsto the proposed research. Review Criteria: Reviewers assess scientific rigor as part of the Approach criterion andthe overall impact score. The reviewers will evaluate the experimental design, including descriptions ofexperimental controls, plans to reduce bias (blinding,randomization, subject inclusions and exclusion criteria, etc.), power analyses, andstatistical methods. |
Consideration of Relevant biological variables |
Description: Biological variables, such as sex, age, weight, and underlying health conditions, are often critical factors affecting health or disease. In particular, sex is a biological variable that is frequently ignored in animal study designs and analyses, leading to an incomplete understanding of potential sex-based differences in basic biological function, disease processes and treatment response. Review Criteria: Reviewers assess the applicant's plans to address relevant biological variables,such as sex, as part of the Approach criterion score and the overall impact score. If the applicant proposes the use of only one sex, reviewers will assess thejustification provided by the applicant. |
Authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources |
Description: Key biological and/or chemical resources include, but are not limited to, cell lines, special chemicals, antibodies,transgenic animals, and other biologics. Key biological and/or chemical resources may or may not be generated with NIH funds and i) may differ from laboratory to laboratory or over time; ii) may have qualities and/or qualifications that could influence the research data; and iii) are integral to the proposed research. Review Criteria: Reviewers discuss the adequacy of the plan for key resource authentication after scoring; thus, comments on key resource authentication should not affect scores.Nonetheless, if the authentication plan is inadequate or missing from the application, it will be reflected in the written critiques. |
