Improving K, R, and F series grant submissions since 2014
The ICTS offers NIH Mock Study Sections (MSS) through its Research Development Program. These sessions are designed to closely simulate an actual NIH study section. They provide detailed, study section-style feedback on complete grant applications for clinical and translational R, K, and F series grants. Mock review sessions are held twice a year, in the Spring and Winter. The goal of this program is to help applicants improve their grant proposals and increase their chances of securing funding by receiving comprehensive feedback before grant submission.
Spring Cycle
| Cycle | NIH Deadline | LOI deadline* | Grant material deadline* | NIH Mock Study Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | June 2025 | February 11, 2025 | March 11, 2025 | April 29, 2025 |
| Winter | February 2026 | TBD | TBD | November 2025 |
* Materials must be submitted by provided link when LOI is accepted; due 5 PM CT
In the MSS, designated co-chairs manage the discussion and three faculty reviewers discuss their feedback on the individual grant application. Initial reviewer scores are given prior to the discussion, and final scores are given after the panel discussion is complete in accordance with the NIH or other funding agency scoring procedures. The entire review committee scores each individual application; written feedback is assembled as a Summary Statement and released to applicants prior to the NIH grant deadline. In addition, dedicated biostatistics feedback is provided for each application. This unique experience helps applicants better understand how their grant applications are reviewed by the NIH, which ultimately boosts the quality of grant submissions.
To date, 51% of participants who have submitted their applications to the MSS have received funding.
Observers are encouraged to attend the MSS to get a better understanding of the latest review process and to gain insight into how reviewers evaluate applications.
Workflow
FAQs
The NIH Mock Study Section is available to all ICTS members regardless of career stage or partner affiliation. Register now if you are not an ICTS member.
Complete the REDCap Letter of Intent material to request review in the Mock Study Section.
The deadline for submission of LOI for the Spring cycle is closed, the Fall cycle will open in September. The MSS Program Committee will determine eligibility and fit within the scope of the MSS review. Applicants will be informed within 1-2 weeks. If accepted, the applicant will receive a link to submit their single pdf grant. Submit the LOI early and concentrate on drafting the grant.
Grant Types Accepted
Our definition of clinical and translational research aligns with the NIH definition that includes: (1) Patient-oriented research, (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies and (3) Outcomes research and health services research. Patient-oriented research is research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. This area of research includes: 1) mechanisms of human disease; 2) therapeutic interventions; 3) clinical trials; and 4) the development of new technologies. Excluded from this definition are in vitro studies that utilize human tissues but do not deal directly with patients. In other words, patient-oriented research is research in which it is necessary to know the identity of the patients from whom the cells or tissues under study are derived. Pre-clinical research, connecting the basic science of disease with human medicine, is not reviewed by the MSS. Your proposal must align with the NIH definition of Clinical and Translational Science research.
All grant materials must be submitted with the provided link in the acceptance email.
Grant materials are due roughly one month before the MSS session to allow time for in-depth review by members of the Study Section and preparation of review materials. Applicants can expect to receive the Summary Statement feedback within 2 weeks of the mock session (about 5 weeks prior to the NIH deadline).
For the most beneficial review by the Mock Study Section, applicants should make their proposals as complete as possible and adhere to NIH guidelines for the specific application. Links to resources regarding proposal content required for participation is noted below.
These new Mandatory Requirements now reflect our definition of clinical and translational science (CTS) and clarifies that the ICTS NIH MSS will review this type of application. Pre-clinical and basic research will not be reviewed by this mechanism.
For queries or to attend as an observer, contact [email protected].
Rafael Galindo, MD, PhD, Co-Director
Jennifer Harlow, Research Development Program Manager