Page 29 - Dare to Make an Impact

project’s suitability for funding by a sponsor, do not hesitate to contact them. Remember, program officials are there to help you. You can generally find your PO’s contact information on an agency’s website, but networking at scientific conferences is productive, too. Many POs attend conferences relevant to the research they support, and this is an excellent opportunity to meet them casually to discuss your research.
Serve as a Peer Reviewer
Having a seat at the table is an invaluable opportunity in your research career. As a peer reviewer, you have an insider’s view to “what reviewers look for” when reviewing and ranking dozens (or hundreds) of research proposals. This unique perspective allows you to target your proposal with specific language and formatting to catch the eye of the reviewer. You also get a unique opportunity to shape the future of your scientific field by deciding who gets funded. Equally as important, you now have access to a unique club where your name is more likely to be recognized when it’s your turn to be reviewed.
Here are some ways to sign up as a peer reviewer:
NIH Early Career Reviewer Program
NIH Reviewer Program (General)
NSF
NEH: Note: If you have applied for an NEH grant before, or served on an NEH panel, you are already in the NEH electronic grants management system (eGMS) and do not need to register.
Target the Appropriate Study Section
When it comes to scientific review, make sure you target the right study section or review panel. After you’ve taken months or longer to craft a carefully worded, rigorous proposal, take the extra step to make sure
it gets in the right reviewers’ hands. Nothing is more frustrating than getting the outcome of your proposal review and reading comments that are off target because the reviewers simply don’t get your science. Although many agencies will screen your proposal to identify the
most appropriate review section, you also have the opportunity to guide the direction of your review by requesting a review panel with the most appropriate scientific expertise to understand
(and appreciate) your work.
Similarly, know your reviewers. Many federal sponsors have a duty to be transparent and will post their reviewers’ names on their website.
29