Grant Review
Preliminary Grant Review Heading link
The following options are available to SPH faculty to support preliminary grant review of NIH grants (or similar) prior to grant submission. Reviewers typically review the specific aims and research strategy and provide written feedback. All options require advance notice–see below for minimum timeframes. Contact rbuell2@uic.edu to arrange a review.
Option 1
The Associate Dean for Research will review and provide feedback on the scientific aspects of research proposals (i.e., for R awards – specific aims, background, innovation, approach; for K-awards – candidate statement, career development plan, research study). The completed sections of the applications should be submitted to the ADR at least 2 ½ weeks before the submission due date to allow enough time for the ADR to provide a thoughtful review.
Option 2
SPHORS will provide honoraria for the review of a grant application by ONE or TWO senior NIH-funded researchers of the PI’s choosing. One must be within the SPH and the other can be external to UIC. The honorarium in the amount of $200 will be paid to each reviewer after completion of a detailed written review. The PI is responsible for identifying and obtaining agreement from these individuals to review the proposal. At least three weeks is recommended for individuals to complete the review, but the PI can negotiate with reviewers. Once reviewers are confirmed, the PI sends SPH ORS their names and contact information. They will follow up with instructions for the review, the NIH critique template, and payment information.
Option 3
SPHORS will provide honoraria for an NIH-style mock review with TWO senior NIH-funded researchers of the PI’s choosing. One must be within the SPH and the other can be external to UIC. The honorarium in the amount of $250 will be paid to each reviewer after completion of a detailed written review of the application and participation in a ½ hour discussion/mock review. The discussion can occur remotely. The PI is responsible for identifying and obtaining agreement from these individuals to review the proposal. At least four weeks is recommended for individuals to complete the review and schedule the discussion session, but the PI can negotiate this with the reviewers. Once the reviewers are confirmed, the PI sends SPH ORS their names and contact information. They will follow up with instructions for the written review, mock review, NIH review form, and payment information.
Specific Aims Lightning Review Heading link
Specific aims feedback sessions are available as an ongoing “on request” opportunity for all SPH faculty, IHRP investigators, and postdoctoral fellows. Along with the Faculty Mentoring Program, these sessions are supported by the Associate Dean for Research / Associate Director in IHRP.
Eligible investigators can request a session as follows:
• Initiate request by completing a brief form available here
• Feedback group (target size of 3 researchers with relevant expertise) is arranged – securing this group is not the responsibility of the requesting investigator, although suggestions will be welcome and solicited as part of the request process
• Session is scheduled with the goal of having it take place within a month of the date of request (unless later timing is preferred by the requesting investigator)
• Investigator provides 1-page draft of their Specific Aims at least one week in advance of the session
• Sessions will last one hour and will take place either virtually or in-person dependent on pandemic circumstances and investigator preference
• Following each session, the investigator will provide ongoing updates on the development of their proposal (e.g., updated drafts of Specific Aims) and have the opportunity to receive further feedback from their “reviewers”; a Box folder will be used to facilitate this ongoing communication