How is a grant reviewed Prepared by Professor

How is a grant reviewed? Prepared by Professor Bob Bortolussi, Dalhousie University 2012 1

Grant Review Process Objectives: Understand the general process review panels follow. Understand criteria used for review. Understand how final decision is made. Learn how to apply for Micro. Research Grant. 2012 2

Grant Submission: Many applications now done electronically. ◦ Check out process ahead of time. You may need to “register” weeks before. ◦ Grants screened for eligibility. ◦ Grant organize review panels. Remember. ◦ Deadlines are final ! ◦ No excuses accepted. “Click” 2012 3

Dual Review System for Grant Applications Common First Level of Review “Scientific Review Panel” Panel • Provides Initial Scientific Merit Review of Grant Applications • Rates Applications and Makes Recommendations for Appropriate Level of Support and Duration of Award Second Level Review… “Council” • Assesses Quality of SRG • Review of Grant Applications • Makes Recommendation to Institute Staff on Funding • Evaluates Program Priorities and Relevance 2012 • Advises on Policy 4

Review Principles Significance Investigator(s) Innovation Approach Environment 2012 Good Bad Weakness es 5

Review Principles Significance: Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? If the aims of the project are achieved, will it improve scientific knowledge, and/or clinical practice? How will successful completion of the aims change. . . this field? (adapted from NIH) 2012 6

Review Principles Investigator(s): Are Do the, researchers well suited to the project? they have appropriate experience/training? Accomplishments that advanced their field? If collaborative project, do they have complementary and integrated expertise? Is leadership approach and organizational structure right for the project*? 2012 7

Review Principles Innovation: Does the proposal challenge or try to shift research or clinical practice models? Are there novel theoretical concepts, approaches, methods or interventions? ◦ Are these novel in one field or in a broad sense of research? (Is it “Generalizable”) Do they propose a new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methods? 2012 8

Review Principles Environment: Does the scientific environment contribute to the probability of success? Are institutional, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? 2012 9

Review Principles Approach: Is the overall strategy, methods, and analyses well-reasoned and justified to accomplish the aims of the project? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and markers for success presented? If the project is in the early stages of development, have they shown feasibility and how risky aspects be managed? 2012 10

Review Principles Approach: If it is clinical research, are there plans for: protection of subjects from research risks, inclusion of minorities and members of both sexes, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed? 2012 11

Micro. Research Grants How do you apply: … www. microresearch. ca “Apply for a grant” tab Download instructions Download application form (comes as word. doc) When to apply: Deadlines are in May and November 2012 12

Application Process Authors Grants Office Intercept* 2012 Why? • Missed deadline • Missed Goals • incomplete 13

Authors Re-submit Grants Office Intercept* Reject 2012 Peer Review 1 2 3 Address • All questions • Revise 14

Authors Re-submit Grants Office Peer Review 1 2 3 Intercept* Get Started 2012 Approved !!! IRB 15

Other Review Criteria Protections for Human Subjects Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children Vertebrate Animals Resubmission Applications Renewal Applications Revision Applications Biohazards 2012 16

Micro. Research Grant Reviews Score Criteria (max 80 + 20): F Feasibility: Is approach best for question I Importance to maternal-child health N Novelty E Ethics and engagement of community R Relevance: to science, community, MDG and Micro. Research goals (20 points). Other Considerations: ◦ Is there a good multi-disciplinary team? ◦ Is there a good Knowledge translation plan? ◦ Will there be appropriate mentors and coaches? 2012 17

MR Scores and Outcomes Impact High Impact Moderate Impact Low Impact Score Descriptor 100 Exceptional 80 Outstanding 70 Excellent 60 Very Good 55 Good 50 Satisfactory 40 Fair 30 Marginal 20 Poor 2012 Strengths/ Weaknesses Strengths Weaknesses (adapted from NIH) 18

Outcome Decision How does Micro. Research make final decision? 1. External Reviews are summarized by a Micro. Research Officer. 2. Applicant is asked to respond to concerns, with help of the coach 3. Final • • decision based on: Unedited reviewer critiques and their scores Budget feasibility Response to concerns Fit with Mricro. Research goals and MDG 2012 19

Micro. Research Grants When to Get started? 3 -4 months before deadline Get the team excited about project! Figure out help you will need. 1. Review your notes from this workshop. 2. Read “How to write a grant” (Chapter 16 on the memory stick) 3. Ask your coach to get involved early. ◦ Plan and write your outline, ◦ Assign tasks for team members, ◦ Plan to meet regularly, 2012 20

If at first you don’t succeed … Revise and resubmit. Handsreprtit. unh. edu 2012 21