The Scientific Review Branch (SRB) is responsible for the initial scientific and technical merit review of grant applications submitted in response to NIAMS Requests for Applications (RFAs), Program Announcements (PARs), career (K) awards, R13 conference grants, clinical trials, and other special initiatives. This first level of review is carried out by a Scientific Review Group (SRG, or study section) composed primarily of non-federal scientists who have expertise in relevant scientific disciplines and current research areas. Each SRG is led by a Scientific Review Officer (SRO). The SRO is an extramural staff scientist and the Designated Federal Official responsible for ensuring that each application receives an objective and fair initial peer review and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are followed. Reviews are conducted either by a standing study section or a special emphasis panel (SEP) as determined by the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to which the application is submitted.
Key Areas of SRB Peer Review Activities
- Provides policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of the initial scientific and technical review of grant applications.
- Maintains uniform policies and procedures governing the technical and scientific review of grant applications.
- Conducts peer review for applications that address NIAMS-specific needs, i.e., research grants (R01, R03, R13, R21, R61); Centers grants (P30, P50); and NIAMS clinical trials and clinical studies submitted in response to NIAMS-initiated RFAs and PARs.
- Conducts the initial peer review of NIAMS applications submitted in response to the parent research career grants awards (K01, K08, K23, K24, K25), and Institutional Research Training grant awards (T32s). The SRB also participates in the review of NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) applications.
- Conducts review meetings under the charter of two NIAMS standing committees: AMS and AMSC; or under Special Emphasis Panels (SEP), which are groups of reviewers who have been specifically invited to review groupings of applications for which their expertise is needed. These SEPs typically meet on a one-time basis but can be recurring.
- Conducts initial planning for scientific peer review, including working with NIAMS Program staff in the development of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).
- Maintains the core values of peer review (expert assessment, transparency, impartiality, fairness, confidentiality, integrity, security, and efficiency).
- Conducts instructional pre-review meeting teleconferences with reviewers.
- Formulates and guides peer review strategies for new or unusual NOFOs.
- Recruits and trains patient representatives to serve on the NIAMS AMSC Clinical Trials study section.
Key Responsibilities of the Scientific Review Officer
The Scientific Review Officer (SRO) works in partnership with NIAMS staff and the scientific community to ensure that the SRG identifies the most meritorious science for funding. SROs have multiple responsibilities including:
- Analyzing the scientific content of grant applications and checking for completeness;
- Documenting and managing conflicts of interest; and,
- Identifying and recruiting reviewers to ensure that the SRG has all the needed expertise to evaluate the applications under review.
In choosing reviewers, the SRO must be able to recognize current trends in the field and ensure that the review panel reflects not only where the field is now but where it is going. SROs are responsible for assigning the applications to reviewers for critique preparation and assignment of scores, attending and overseeing administrative and regulatory aspects of peer review meetings, training reviewers, and preparing summary statements for all applications reviewed.