Peer Review Policies and Practices

What's New in Peer Review

• New NOT-OD-24-085: Simplified Review Framework for NIH Research Project Grant Applications - Update and Implementation Plans - April 4, 2024
• New NOT-OD-24-061: NIH Guidance on Marking Changes in Resubmission Applications - February 13, 2024
• NOT-OD-23-156: Review Integrity and Bias Awareness Training will be Required for NIH Reviewers Effective May 2024 Council Round - July 11, 2023
• NOT-OD-23-149: The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Technologies is Prohibited for the NIH Peer Review Process - June 23, 2023
   

Laws, Regulations, and Policies

Peer review regulations provide the underpinning of peer review policies.

• Final Rules and Regulations for Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant Applications and Research and Development Contract Projects (42 CFR 52h) 
• Federal Register Notice - January 15, 2004 
• Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy
• Government in the Sunshine Act

Peer Review Policies

Find information on key review policies below. The Consolidated List of Reviewer Documents page contains other guidelines for reviewers.

Peer Review Integrity

• Integrity and Confidentiality in NIH Peer Review

Confidentiality

• Maintaining Security and Confidentiality in NIH Peer Review: Rules, Responsibilities and Possible Consequences (NOT-OD-22-044) — (FAQs)

Conflict of Interest

• Managing Conflict of Interest in NIH Peer Review of Grants and Contracts — (FAQs)

Scoring

• The NIH Announces New Scoring Procedures for Evaluation of Research Applications (NOT-OD-09-024)

Appeals

• Appeals of NIH Initial Peer Review (NOT-OD-11-064)