Navigating the NIH Grant Process
Course Summary
Receiving funding from the NIH is challenging and requires hard work and a firm commitment. With a finite budget, many investigators are competing for limited funds (in FY 16 the success rate for Research Project Grants was 19.1%). Successful grant applications require not only a strong idea, strong science, and a strong application but a firm understanding of the NIH grants process. An investigator’s willingness to work with NIH staff, be well informed of Institute/Center priorities, acquire a firm understanding of the peer review process, and develop a keen understanding of what constitutes a strong grant application will invariably result in a stronger grant application and increase the odds of funding. Since GWM believe that Knowledge = Success this presentation is intended to provide investigators with basic information regarding the NIH grants process - from planning and submission through to award and closeout. In the end, the knowledge gained from this presentation, together with an investigator’s unique skills and abilities, should contribute to an investigator’s success in developing a competitive (i.e., fundable) NIH grant application.
Course Outline
1. Grants Basics
Understanding NIH
Finding the Right Fit for Your Research
What Does NIH Look For?
Types of Grant Programs
Who is Eligible?
2. Planning Your Approach
Understand NIH – funding priorities
Use RePorter to find where your research fits best & research the competition
Contact NIH Staff
Finding the right Funding Opportunities
Plan within your Organization (Office of Sponsored Research)
Set aside lots of time in order to:
○ Look for funding opportunities
○ Develop your ideas
○ Communicate with NIH staff
○ Write a competitive grant application
○ Receive critical feedback from your colleagues
○ Submit on time
3. Preparing to Apply
Systems and Roles
Registration
Understanding Funding Opportunities
Types of Applications
Submission Options
Obtaining Software
4. Writing Your Application
- Preparing to write your Grant Application
Project Summary
Developing a Strong Research Plan
○ Specific Aims
- Developing a Strong Research Strategy
○ Significance
○ Innovation
○ Approach
Preliminary Studies
Resubmissions
Budget
Common Reviewer Concerns
5. Submitting Your Application
Submission process (overview)
○ Submit
○ Track
○ View
6. Receipt and Referral
7. Peer Review
Overview
Peer Review Roles and Meeting Overview
Scoring
Peer Review Criteria and other Considerations
Summary Statement (percentiles)
Appeals
Second Level of Review – Advisory Council or Board
Post-Review (Next Steps?)