ACR Warns Against Reduced Transparency in NIH Reviews

ACR^® recently submitted comments regarding a National Institutes of Health (NIH) request for information proposing changes regarding how peer review results are reported to grant applicants. ACR warns these changes could reduce transparency and make it harder for researchers to understand reviewer feedback. The NIH proposal would replace overall impact scores and percentiles with three broad categories: most competitive; competitive; and not discussed. It would also limit access to details about how applications are ranked, withholding this information from applicants, NIH program staff Institute and Center leadership and advisory councils.

The College also noted broader review categories in the proposal could place greater emphasis on factors outside the scientific review process.

ACR urged NIH to ensure any peer review reforms preserve transparency, prioritize scientific merit and maintain reviewer accountability. The College cautioned that reducing access to detailed evaluations and limiting expert discussion could discourage innovation and weaken U.S. leadership in biomedical research.

For more information or if you have questions, contact Katie Grady, ACR Government Affairs Director.