Volunteer to Review

The NIH peer review system is the foundation of the NIH extramural research enterprise, and its continued excellence depends on our ability to recruit and retain the most accomplished, broad-thinking and creative scientists and experts to serve as peer reviewers. Such qualified individuals are needed to serve on Scientific Review Groups (or “study sections”) in the initial peer review of applications for funding and R&D contract proposals. 

Principal Investigators (PIs) who receive research grant support from the NIH are an enriched source of such highly-qualified individuals.  Therefore, the NIH calls upon investigators who have received research grant funding from the NIH to serve on NIH study sections and advisory groups when invited to do so.  However, this expectation for service is entirely voluntary and an inability to serve has no impact on an investigator’s ability to compete for grant support. 

Individuals who possess expertise in areas supported by the NIH and who wish to volunteer to serve in the NIH peer review process should send an email to the Enhancing Peer Review mailbox (EnhancingPeerReview@mail.nih.gov) with a brief description of their areas of expertise and a copy of their biosketch.

For more details, visit the following links:

• NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-10-089 (05/07/2010) - Enhancing Peer Review: Expectation for Service on NIH Peer Review and Advisory Groups
• Say “Yes” and Serve (May 2010)
• CSR Selection of Reviewers Process - CSR maintains a registry of experienced senior scientists who have been recommended by scientific societies and institutions.

Providing Benefits for Reviewers

To recognize outstanding review and advisory service by members of the scientific community, and to minimize disincentives to such service, the National Institutes of Health provides a continuous submission schedule for applications from appointed members of NIH review and advisory groups, and temporary members of NIH review groups with high levels of service. In 2009, new reviewers were given additional flexibility (PDF - 50 KB) regarding their tour of duty, and other efforts were undertaken to improve retention of standing review members. For more details, visit the following Guide Notices:

• NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-10-090 (05/07/2010) - Extension of Modified Application Submission, Referral and Review to Members of NIH Program Advisory Committees (PACs)
• NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-09-155 (10/01/2009) - Extension of Modified Application Submission, Referral and Review for Reviewers with Recent Substantial Service
• NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-09-114 (06/25/2009) - Extension of Modified Application Submission, Referral and Review for Appointed NIH Advisory Group Members
• NIH Guide Notice NOT-OD-08-026 (01/04/2008) - Modified Application Submission, Referral and Review for Appointed NIH Study Section Members