Be an NIH Reviewer: Contribute to Multidisciplinary Research.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Biomedical Research Administration
• Grant Review Processes

Background:

• Multidisciplinary research is increasing at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Peer review is crucial for evaluating research, traineeship, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals.
• Nurses' expertise is particularly sought after in current research landscapes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance on becoming a peer reviewer for NIH grant proposals.
• To highlight the benefits of peer review for professional development and research contribution.
• To encourage participation from reviewers with diverse expertise, including nursing.

Main Methods:

• Proactive and targeted outreach to Scientific Review Officers (SROs).
• Identifying appropriate NIH study sections based on research area.
• Understanding the responsibilities and best practices for conducting reviews.

Main Results:

• Serving as a peer reviewer enhances knowledge of the NIH review process.
• Targeted communication with SROs increases opportunities for reviewer appointments.
• Increased demand for reviewers with specialized expertise, such as nursing, in multidisciplinary research.

Conclusions:

• Becoming an NIH peer reviewer is a valuable professional development opportunity.
• Strategic engagement with SROs facilitates reviewer selection.
• Diverse reviewer expertise, particularly in nursing, is essential for evaluating complex, multidisciplinary research proposals.