Grant Review Opportunities

HERCULES offers grant review opportunities created to support the development of a full proposal or refine your draft research strategy ahead of an impending submission. All opportunities are available for each of the three NIH deadlines.

Full Research Strategy Review

Objective: To provide feedback on an existing proposal in preparation for its impending submission

HERCULES Career Development program offers two options for review of your completed draft proposal. HERCULES researchers with experience serving on NIH study sections and expertise in your field of study will provide feedback in either a structured evaluation or in a less formal commentary review. Prospective applicants will gain a deeper understanding of the expectations, challenges, and best practices associated with crafting competitive NIH grant proposals. Participants will also have the opportunity to refine their grant writing skills and enhance their ability to effectively communicate the significance, innovation, and approach of their research projects. (Scheduling: We recommend applying 3-4 months in advance of the submission deadline. This will allow reviews to be returned 1 month prior to your submission deadline; limit 1 review/session).

  • Option A: Structured Feedback Reviewers will utilize a structured form with sections and scoring mimicking the NIH review process
  • Option B: Informal Written Feedback Reviewers will be provided with a word version of the proposal and provide feedback through comments

Specific Aims Review

Objective: To support the development of a research strategy for a future submission

Aims reviews will be open to all HERCULES members to provide guidance on the development of specific aims and a research plan. HERCULES members looking for feedback and editing to strengthen their submission, will submit a draft Specific Aims/Research Plan document to the Center’s Professional Development team for either written feedback or an aims review session.  (Scheduling: We recommend applying 4-5 months prior to submission deadline. This will allow reviews to be returned 3-4 months prior to your submission deadline; limit: 2 reviews/session).

  • Option A: Written Feedback Reviewers will be provided with a word version of the specific aims/research plan and provide feedback through comments
  • Option B: In Person Feedback Reviewers will be provided materials ahead of a 60 minute meeting where the researcher will briefly present their research plan and then receive critical feedback and discussion.

Application

Questions? Contact Hillary Barton hillary.barton@emory.edu or Jeremy Sarnat jsarnat@emory.edu