NOT-MH-14-004: Enhancing the Reliability of NIMH-Supported Research through Rigorous Study Design and Reporting

Enhancing the Reliability of NIMH-Supported Research through Rigorous Study Design and Reporting

Notice Number: NOT-MH-14-004

Key Dates
Release Date: January 15, 2014

Issued by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Purpose

Understanding the mechanisms that cause mental illnesses is a primary goal of research supported by NIMH. This Notice serves to illustrate our commitment to sponsoring well-designed, experimentally sound studies as the foundation for translating basic research discoveries into evidence-based treatments for mental illnesses.

Translating discoveries into evidence-based treatments is predicated on testing candidate therapeutics using fundamental model systems in vitro and in vivo. The value of such research is greatly enhanced when detailed information is made available about study design, execution, analysis and interpretation. Examples of critical elements for a well-designed study are summarized on the NIMH website (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/policies/enhancing-the-reliability-of-nimh-supported-research-through-rigorous-study-design-and-reporting.shtml).

NIMH believes preclinical and clinical grant applications will be greatly strengthened if the design, execution, and interpretation of the proposed studies and supporting data are adequately described. NIMH strongly encourages investigators, whenever possible, to address these elements directly in their applications. Investigators are strongly encouraged to discuss these issues with NIMH Program staff prior to submission of applications, and to include sufficient detail about study design and statistics in their applications.

Investigators are reminded that the Progress Report is expected to provide a record of accomplishments for a funded project. This report is an opportunity to describe all studies attempted under the award regardless of the final outcome. Information about both positive and negative results obtained is thus expected.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

NIMH Referral
Email: NIMHReferral@mail.nih.gov