Use NIH RePORTER Matchmaker to identify your likely study section

NIH engages roughly 20,000 reviewers each year to review grant applications. However, the average study section comprises 15-20 individuals. Rather than simply submitting and hoping for the best, be pro-active and identify the small group most likely to review your application.

Knowing your audience allows you to (1) tailor your narrative toward the expertise and interests of potential reviewers, (2) pitch your narrative at an appropriate level -- not so high that you’ll lose the reader, not so low that you’ll bore them, (3) avoid wasting valuable space telling them things they likely already know, and (4) identify potential conflicts or competitors you’d rather not have reviewing your application (standing study section info, including rosters, here).

The NIH RePORTER “Matchmaker” function allows you to search for the most likely study section based on a key word search. Open the Matchmaker window, enter one or more keywords, up to 15,000 characters (your entire Abstract, if you want) and press the “Similar Projects” link. Matchmaker will display the top 100 most similar funded grants, broken down by Institute/Center, Activity Code, Study Section and Program Officer.

Although the Division of Receipt & Referral (DDR) has the final say on study section assignments, you can request assignment to specific study section(s) using the optional PHS Assignment Request Form.

For assistance in all aspects of your grant writing endeavors, please contact NC TraCS Proposal Development.