Scientific meetings, conference grants, application review, symposia, symposium

14.7 Application Review

Applications for conference grants will be reviewed for programmatic relevance and for merit as described in The Peer Review Process in Part I and applicable NOFO.

In addition, applications submitted to NIH for support of Scientific Conferences (R13 and U13) are required to include a Conference Grant Application Diversity Plan, as described in 14.6.2.

Reviewers will be asked to evaluate the Conference Grant Application Diversity Plan:

How well does the diversity plan demonstrate efforts to enhance diversity by increasing the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, in the planning and implementation, and participation in the proposed conference? Underrepresented groups include individuals from nationally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women. For more information, see Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity; Civil Rights Protections in NIH-Supported Research, Programs, Conferences and Other Activities; and Updated Guidelines on Enhancing Diversity and Creating Safe Environments in Conferences Supported by NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements.

Reviewers will consider the Conference Grant Application Diversity Plan in determining the scientific and technical merit of the application, and in providing an overall impact score. The Diversity Plan will be evaluated as an additional review criterion and not receive a separate criterion score.

Reviewers will be asked to evaluate PD(s)/PI(s) Personal Statement of the Biographical Sketch:

Is(are) the PD(s)/PI(s) well suited for organizing and fulfilling the goals of this conference, including efforts to enhance diversity? Are the qualifications and past performance of the PD(s)/PI(s) appropriate, and are they well suited for their described roles in the conference? Are the key personnel and selected speakers appropriate and well suited for their described roles in the conference?