How Many Researchers: Positive Trends Continue in FY 2019

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Mike Lauer

As we continue to explore the question of how many researchers NIH funds, we have been observing a positive trend over the last few years where the number of unique scientists seeking support on NIH research project grants (RPGs) is stabilizing along with a commensurate rise in the corresponding NIH cumulative investigator rate. Now with fiscal year (FY) 2019 data available on the NIH Data Book, let’s see if this trend continued. Continue reading →

Seeking Thoughts on the Framework for the Next NIH-Wide Strategic Plan

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Mike Lauer

Last week, we opened up the opportunity for the public to comment on the framework for the next NIH-Wide Strategic Plan (NOT-OD-20-064). This plan, for fiscal years (FYs) 2021-2025, will serve as an update to, and build off the progress … Continue reading →

What’s Happening With “At-Risk Investigators?”

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Mike Lauer

In December 2018, the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) offered a number of recommendations to NIH on the “Next Generation Researchers Initiative.” Among those: The Committee recommended “special funding consideration for “at-risk” investigators. These are researchers who developed meritorious applications who would not have significant NIH research funding if the application under consideration is not awarded. We plan to draw more attention this year, both inside and outside NIH, to outcomes for at-risk investigators, to ensure those submitting meritorious ideas to NIH are not lost to the system. Continue reading →

Broadening the Pool of NIH Reviewers

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Noni Byrnes

The scientific peer review process benefits greatly when the study section reviewers bring not only strong scientific qualifications and expertise, but also a broad range of backgrounds and varying scientific perspectives. Bringing new viewpoints into the process replenishes and refreshes the study section, enhancing the quality of its output. Continue reading →

Case Study in Review Integrity: Asking for Favorable Treatment

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Mike Lauer

What happens when a former colleague contacts you, a reviewer, out of the blue to ask if the application on which he is a principal investigator could be treated favorably at the review meeting? Do you brush off the investigator and figure you will not let the contact influence your review of that application? Or do you instead immediately notify NIH? Intrigued? We have a case for you (based on true stories, details have been changed slightly and names have been fictionalized). Read on. Continue reading →

Celebrating 20 Years of ClinicalTrials.gov and Looking to the Future

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Rebecca Williams

NIH’s National Library of Medicine has launched an effort to modernize ClinicalTrials.gov to deliver an improved user experience on an updated platform that will accommodate growth and enhance efficiency. Creating a roadmap for modernization requires feedback from a wide array of stakeholders on how to continue serving, balancing, and prioritizing their varied information needs. As ClinicalTrials.gov celebrates its 20th anniversary on February 29, 2020, we’re asking for your input on how it can best continue to serve your needs for many more years to come. Continue reading →

Data are Available on NIH Funding Plans

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Mike Lauer

Funding decisions rely heavily on peer review scores, but there is more to the story. NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) weigh those scores together with ensuring their entire research portfolio addresses the wide array of diseases, conditions, or other research areas within its mission. They also account for unmet scientific needs and build on recent unexpected breakthroughs as part of prudent planning. When public health needs emerge, such as for the opioid epidemic or a microbial outbreak, ICs must be nimble enough to respond. Training, work force, and infrastructure needs are also thrown into the mix.

We present FY 2018 data on R01-equivalent applications and R56-Bridge awards, showing percentiles for both funded and unfunded applications. Continue reading →

Predicting Translational Progress from Citations of NIH-Supported Fundamental Research

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Mike Lauer

By looking to the past we may be able to better understand the flow of scientific knowledge going forward, and possibly even predict translational research outcomes. In their October PLOS Biology paper, Drs. Ian Hutchins and George Santangelo from the NIH’s Office of Portfolio Analysis devised a machine-learning strategy that taps into the trajectory of science by tracking knowledge flow from bench to bedside. Continue reading →

Expanding NIH’s Definition of Socio-Economic Disadvantaged to be More Inclusive and Diversify the Workforce

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Mike Lauer

NIH has considered a different approach to defining scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds. We reviewed a wide variety of criteria, looking for those that are relatively easy to self-evaluate and that capture a large proportion of affected people. Continue reading →

Case Study in Review Integrity: Undisclosed Conflict of Interest

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Mike Lauer

This series aims to raise awareness and inspire creative problem solving of the challenges in maintaining integrity in peer review. In this case, Dr. Smith, who is being considered as a reviewer for the application, is a professional associate of Dr. Jones, the PI on the application. However, Dr. Smith had not declared a conflict with that application. Continue reading →

NIH Extramural Nexus