Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) NIH. This is a limited competition funding opportunity to provide small grants to current NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 recipients to support research in heart, lung, blood, and sleep conditions and diseases.

Expired RFA-HL-25-011: Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) This notice has expired. For NIH, in limited situations, applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis for a short period after expiration to accommodate NIH late or continuous submission policies . Contact the eRA Service Desk for any submission issues.

Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Components of Participating Organizations National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ( NHLBI ) Funding Opportunity Title Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for NHLBI K01/K08/K23/K25 Recipients (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) March 31, 2025 - This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities.

Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission. April 4, 2024 - Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025. See Notice NOT-OD-24-084 .

August 31, 2022 - Implementation Changes for Genomic Data Sharing Plans Included with Applications Due on or after January 25, 2023. See Notice NOT-OD-22-198 . August 5, 2022 - Implementation Details for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy.

See Notice NOT-OD-22-189 . Funding Opportunity Number (FON) Companion Funding Opportunity See Section III. 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility . Assistance Listing Number(s) 93. 838, 93.

233, 93. 837, 93. 839, 93.

840 Funding Opportunity Purpose The objective of this limited competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit current or recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients for small grant support to expand their current research goals or to branch out to a new study that resulted from the research conducted under the K award.

Active NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients may apply for R03 support after the notice of award (NoA) for their first type-5 K awards has been issued. Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients are eligible to apply for the R03 if the earliest possible R03 start date falls within 2 years of their prior NHLBI K award Project Period end date.

This NOFO is intended to enhance the capability of NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients to conduct research as they complete their transition to fully independent investigator status.

This R03 program is intended to support research projects that can be carried out and completed within a short period of time (no more than two years) with limited resources and that may generate preliminary data to support a subsequent R01-equivalent application.

These studies include, but are not limited to, pilot or feasibility studies; proof of concept studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of new research methodologies or technologies, or development of novel experimental models. A minimum of 40% protected overall research effort, not necessarily limited to the proposed R03 project, is required from applicants.

For current and previous K23 recipients, research proposed in the R03 application may or may not include patient-oriented research. Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) The following table includes NIH standard due dates marked with an asterisk. Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) AIDS - New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision, as allowed All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide , except where instructed to do otherwise (in this NOFO or in a Notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the NOFO) is required and strictly enforced.

Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Part 1. Overview Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV.

Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII.

Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Description Purpose/Research Objectives: This R03 program aims to aid this effort by facilitating the transition to fully independent investigator status for NHLBI K recipients. This Limited Competition NOFO invites applications from NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients for small grant support.

Active NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients may apply for R03 support after the notice of Award (NoA) for their first noncompeting (type-5) K award has been issued. Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients are eligible to apply or resubmit (an A1 application) for the R03 if the earliest possible R03 start date falls within 2 years of their prior NHLBI K award Project Period end date.

NIH has a longstanding interest and commitment to training and providing support for early stage investigators. Special programs, such as mentored career development (K) awards, to assist early stage investigators in obtaining independent research funding have been developed.

Despite concerted efforts, the time to first independent award at first independent award has not decreased and many NHLBI K recipients still need additional support in their transition to research independence. The entry and sustainability of a well-trained cadre of early stage investigators into NIH-funded independent researchers is critically important to our nation’s biomedical research enterprise.

NHLBI is committed to addressing this need. Through this funding opportunity, NHLBI intends to support the science and research of the next generation of successful scientific leaders as they launch their independent research careers by augmenting previous investments and sustaining meritorious programs seeking R01-equivalent grant support.

The added small grant support is expected to have the following benefits: Contribute to fiscal independence for the award recipient as a precursor to attaining research independence Support the recipient as they generate additional preliminary data and increase scientific output Provide an opportunity to demonstrate additional success in the peer review process during the course of their career development Promote subsequent R01-equivalent grant applications and increase the chance for success Specific Areas of Research Interest: The support provided by this R03 program will enable former and current NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients to expand their current research objectives or to branch out to a new study that resulted from the research conducted under the K award.

The R03 research projects shall be carried out and completed within a short period of time (no more than two years) with limited resources, which may generate preliminary data to support a subsequent R01-equivalent application.

These studies may include, but are not limited to, pilot or feasibility studies; proof of concept studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of new research methodologies or technologies; or development of novel experimental models. NHLBI encourages every K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipient to apply for R01-equivalent grant support during the course of their career development awards.

According to NIH policy, K recipients may now receive concurrent salary support from an NIH career development award and a research grant under certain circumstances (see NOT-OD-08-065 ). However, any K01, K08, K23, or K25 recipient who has previously been awarded a substantial NIH independent research award will no longer be eligible to receive an R03 under this R03 program.

The definition of substantial NIH independent research award is included in Definition of New Investigator . See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Investigators proposing NIH-defined clinical trials may refer to the Research Methods Resources website for information about developing statistical methods and study designs. Section II. Award Information Grant: A financial assistance mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.

Application Types Allowed The OER Glossary and the How to Apply Application Guide provide details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this NOFO. Optional: Accepting applications that either propose or do not propose clinical trial(s).

Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial? Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. NHLBI intends to commit total costs up to $2.

4 million in FY2024, $4. 8 million in FY2025, $4. 8 million in FY2026, and $2.

4 million in FY2027 for this program. NHLBI intends to fund up to 20 new awards per year in FY2024, FY2025, and FY2026. Application budgets are limited to direct costs up to $75,000 per year, but must reflect actual needs of the proposed project.

The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is two years. NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO.

Section III.

Eligibility Information Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) City or Township Governments Special District Governments Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized).

Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School Districts Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Faith-based or Community-based Organizations Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are not allowed. Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the How to Apply- Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award.

All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. Failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission, please reference the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.

3. 9. 2 Electronically Submitted Applications for additional information.

System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually . The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code.

NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code – Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - A UEI is issued as part of the SAM. gov registration process.

The same UEI must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application. eRA Commons - Once the unique organization identifier is established, organizations can register with eRA Commons in tandem with completing their Grants. gov registrations; all registrations must be in place by time of submission.

eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. Grants. gov – Applicants must have an active SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.

gov registration. Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons.

If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator) Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with their organization to develop an application for support.

For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the How to Apply-Application Guide.

Only the following NHLBI K recipients are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity: Current NHLBI-supported K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients become eligible to apply for this R03 after the notice of award (NoA) for their first type-5 K award has been issued. The R03 award for the second year does not require concurrent K-support.

Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients - defined as such if their NHLBI K award project period end date is prior to the intended start date of the R03. The earliest possible R03 start date must fall within 2 years of the applicant’s prior NHLBI K award Project Period end date .

Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 recipients are eligible for resubmission (an A1 application) for the R03 if the earliest possible R03 start date falls within 2 years of their prior NHLBI K award Project Period end date.

A minimum of 40% protected overall research effort is required from applicants during the R03 award period and can be met through a combination of effort on the proposed R03 and other research projects, regardless of funding source (see Instructions for Institutional Commitment to Applicant Letter of Support in Section IV for additional details).

This minimal protected research effort should be clearly indicated in the Institutional Commitment Letter and submitted as part of grant application, but will be accepted as a Just-In-Time submission. NHLBI K01, K08, K23, or K25 recipients who have already successfully competed for an R01, or other substantial NIH independent research award are ineligible for R03 program.

See Definition of New Investigator for the definition of “substantial NIH independent research award." This NOFO does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 1. 2 Definition of Terms .

3. Additional Information on Eligibility Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct. The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time, per NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.

3. 7. 4 Submission of Resubmission Application .

This means that the NIH will not accept: A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application. A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.

An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NIH Grants Policy Statement 2. 3. 9.

4 Similar, Essentially Identical, or Identical Applications ). Individuals involved in NIH-funded clinical trials must meet the requirements for documented ICH-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. Documented means GCP training that provides a certification/documentation of completion indicating that the training requirement has been successfully completed.

Appropriate personnel are those individuals responsible for the design or conduct of the study, including all personnel of participating consortia and performance sites participating in the clinical trial. The description of GCP training for new key personnel or GCP refresher training for other personnel should be part of the progress report submitted as a prerequisite to award.

GCP refresher training should occur every 3 years for the length of the trial. The GCP training of choice must meet the GCP Principles of ICH E6. Section IV.

Application and Submission Information 1. Requesting an Application Package The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants. gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution.

Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants. gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this NOFO. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide except where instructed in this notice of funding opportunity to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced.

Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. All page limitations described in the How to Apply- Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed. Instructions for Application Submission The following section supplements the instructions found in the How to Apply- Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this NOFO.

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed. SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed. SF424(R&R) Other Project Information All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

With the following additional instructions: Current NHLBI K01, K08, K23, or K25 Awardees: Applications must include a brief summary of the applicant's funded K award that is no more than 3 pages. Applications that exceed this limit or fail to include this section in the application will be withdrawn. This attachment should be entitled "Summary of K award progress.

pdf" and will be reflected in the final image. Describe how the R03 application is informed by, or results from, the research supported by the K award, if applicable, and how the R03 project diverges from the K award.

This attachment, together with the information provided in the Research Strategy, should provide adequate explanation and justification documenting how the proposed R03 support will affect plans and enhance the advancement of the K awardee toward research independence.

Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, or K25 Awardees: Applications must include a brief summary of both their K award as well as the applicant's current research efforts that is no more than 3 pages. Applications that exceed this limit or fail to include this section in the application will be withdrawn. This attachment should be entitled "Summary of K award progress.

pdf" and will be reflected in the final image. Describe how the R03 application is informed by, or results from, the research supported by the K award, if applicable, and how the R03 project diverges from the completed K award.

This attachment, combined with the information in the Research Strategy, should provide adequate explanation and justification documenting how the proposed R03 support will affect plans and enhance the advancement of the K awardee toward research independence. SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed. All instructions in the How to Apply-Application Guide must be followed. PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Current NHLBI K01, K08, K23, or K25 awardees: Recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, or K25 awardees: The following 3 separate letters (as applicable) must be included as a single Letters of Support attachment.

Failure to include any of the required letters will result in withdrawal of the application: Mentor(s)' Letter of Support (only required for current NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees) . A letter from the applicant's current K award mentor must be included. If there is more than one mentor, a single counter-signed letter is sufficient.

It should address: the applicant's potential for a future, independent research career and the nature of the continuing relationship of the mentor(s) with the applicant. Applications from recently completed NHLBI K01, K08, K23, and K25 awardees do not require a letter of support from their previous mentor(s). Department/Division Head Letter of Support.

A letter from the applicant's Department/Division Head must be included. It should address the applicant's potential for a future, independent research career. Institutional Commitment to Applicant Letter of Support.

A letter stating the Institution's commitment to the candidate must be included. The Institutional Commitment letter should include the following: A statement from the sponsoring institution that it is committed to the candidate's development into a productive, independent investigator and to meeting the requirements of the award.

Description of the protected research time for the candidate, including an assurance that the candidate will be able to devote a protected minimum of 4. 8 person months (equivalent to 40% of full-time professional effort) for the development of their overall research program during the R03 award period.

The 40% requirement can be met through a combination of effort on the proposed R03 and other research projects, regardless of funding source. Description of any supplemental institutional support during and following completion of the K award and R03 award period. Resource Sharing Plan : Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans as provided in the How to Apply- Application Guide.

All instructions in the How to Apply-Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: All applicants planning research (funded or conducted in whole or in part by NIH) that results in the generation of scientific data are required to comply with the instructions for the Data Management and Sharing Plan.

All applications, regardless of the amount of direct costs requested for any one year, must address a Data Management and Sharing Plan. Appendix: Only limited Appendix materials are allowed. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the How to Apply- Application Guide.

No publications or other material, with the exception of blank questionnaires or blank surveys, may be included in the Appendix.

PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information When involving human subjects research, clinical research, and/or NIH-defined clinical trials (and when applicable, clinical trials research experience) follow all instructions for the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form in the How to Apply- Application Guide, with the following additional instructions: If you answered “Yes” to the question “Are Human Subjects Involved?

” on the R&R Other Project Information form, you must include at least one human subjects study record using the Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form or Delayed Onset Study record. Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start). All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed. Delayed onset study is not allowed, due to the short award period.

PHS Assignment Request Form All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed. 3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) See Part 2.

Section III. 1 for information regarding the requirement for obtaining a unique entity identifier and for completing and maintaining active registrations in System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (if applicable), eRA Commons, and Grants. gov 4.

Submission Dates and Times Part I. contains information about Key Dates and times. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.

When a submission date falls on a weekend or Federal holiday , the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day. Organizations must submit applications to Grants. gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies).

Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons , NIH’s electronic system for grants administration. NIH and Grants. gov systems check the application against many of the application instructions upon submission.

Errors must be corrected and a changed/corrected application must be submitted to Grants. gov on or before the application due date and time. If a Changed/Corrected application is submitted after the deadline, the application will be considered late.

Applications that miss the due date and time are subjected to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2. 3. 9.

2 Electronically Submitted Applications . Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission. Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the How to Apply-Application Guide.

5. Intergovernmental Review (E. O.

12372) This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review. All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement . Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 7.

9. 1 Selected Items of Cost. 7.

Other Submission Requirements and Information Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the How to Apply Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date.

Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration. For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit How to Apply – Application Guide .

If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Dealing with System Issues guidance. For assistance with application submission, contact the Application Submission Contacts in Section VII. All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile form .

Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH. See Section III of this NOFO for information on registration requirements.

The applicant organization must ensure that the unique entity identifier provided on the application is the same identifier used in the organization’s profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management. Additional information may be found in the How to Apply Application Guide. See more tips for avoiding common errors.

Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH and responsiveness by NHLBI, NIH. Applications that are incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.

Recipients or subrecipients must submit any information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. See Mandatory Disclosures, 2 CFR 200. 113 and NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 4.

1. 35 . Send written disclosures to the NIH Chief Grants Management Officer listed on the Notice of Award for the IC that funded the award and to the HHS Office of Inspector Grant Self Disclosure Program at [email protected] .

Post Submission Materials Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in the policy Section V. Application Review Information Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. Applications submitted to the NIH in support of the NIH mission are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.

For this particular announcement, note the following: The R03 small grant supports discrete, well-defined projects that realistically can be completed in two years and that require limited levels of funding. Because the research project usually is limited, an R03 grant application may not contain extensive detail or discussion. Accordingly, reviewers should evaluate the conceptual framework and general approach to the problem.

Appropriate justification for the proposed work can be provided through literature citations, data from other sources, or from investigator-generated data. Preliminary data are not required, particularly in applications proposing pilot or feasibility studies.

Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following scored review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed). An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have a major scientific impact.

Reviewers will evaluate Factors 1, 2 and 3 in the determination of scientific merit, and in providing an overall impact score. In addition, Factors 1 and 2 will each receive a separate criterion score. Factor 1.

Importance of the Research (Significance and Innovation) Evaluate the importance of the proposed research in the context of current scientific challenges and opportunities, either for advancing knowledge within the field, or more broadly. Assess whether the application addresses an important gap in knowledge in the field, would solve a critical problem, or create a valuable conceptual or technical advance.

Evaluate the rationale for undertaking the study, the rigor of the scientific background for the work (e.g., prior literature and/or preliminary data) and whether the scientific background justifies the proposed study. Evaluate the extent to which innovation influences the importance of undertaking the proposed research.

Note that while technical or conceptual innovation can influence the importance of the proposed research, a project that is not applying novel concepts or approaches may be of critical importance for the field. Evaluate whether the proposed work applies novel concepts, methods or technologies or uses existing concepts, methods, technologies in novel ways, to enhance the overall impact of the project. Factor 2.

Rigor and Feasibility (Approach) Evaluate the scientific quality of the proposed work. Evaluate the likelihood that compelling, reproducible findings will result (rigor) and assess whether the proposed studies can be done well and within the timeframes proposed (feasibility). Evaluate the potential to produce unbiased, reproducible, robust data.

Evaluate the rigor of experimental design and whether appropriate controls are in place. Evaluate whether the sample size is sufficient and well-justified. Assess the quality