NIH Submit Online Critiques & Scores

Scoring applications using online critiques under the Simplified Review Framework (SRF)

NIH has implemented a simplified peer review framework (SRF) for the peer review of the majority of competing research project grant (RPG) applications. These changes have been applied to the online critique template process as well. See Simplified Peer Review Framework and Fill Out and Submit Online Critiques for more information on these topics.

Reviewers enter a 1-9 score (where 1 is exceptional and 9 is poor) for two factors: Importance of the Research; Rigor and Feasibility

For the third factor: Expertise and Resources (Investigators and Environment) – reviewers choose from ‘Appropriate’ or ‘Additional expertise and/or resources needed.’

Scoring for all other applications using online critique with non-factor critieria

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) follows the same procedures for submitting scores and critiques for all non-SRF (non-factor criteria) applications.

Reviewers enter a 1-9 score for five main review criteria: Significance, Investigator(s), Innovation, Approach, Environment — all are scored.