Lumos Tips

Nature recently highlighted what many of us already know: early-career researchers are getting hit from all sides. Funding cuts, visa restrictions, career uncertainty. It’s not just a rough patch; it’s a serious challenge for the future of science. But here’s the thing: science has always been hard. That’s why it attracts the kind of people who keep going, even when.. Read more

You probably know that getting the right reviewers can make or break your application. But did you know you can actually request which Scientific Review Group (SRG), also known as a study section, reviews your proposal? The Assignment Request Form lets you guide the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) toward the best fit for your research. While it’s not a.. Read more

Every NIH grant application is evaluated against five criteria—Significance, Investigator(s), Innovation, Approach, and Environment—but the reality is that reviewers are asking three overarching questions: The NIH review process is complex, but it’s not arbitrary. Reviewers genuinely want to fund good science. By understanding their perspective and addressing their concerns directly, you can write applications that stand out.

NIH Matchmaker, part of the NIH RePORTER system, is like a matchmaking app for your research and NIH’s institutes. You paste in a paragraph, abstract, or even just a few keywords about your work, and it generates a list of projects with similar themes. Even better, it highlights the ICs that funded those projects, giving you a solid idea of.. Read more

If you’re looking to support a PhD student through the NIH F31 fellowship, understanding the structure and goals of the application is essential. The F31 is a Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award, providing up to five years of funding to help students complete their doctoral research and training. Why Apply for an F31?The F31 grant aims.. Read more

While both sections are important, they serve very different purposes in an NIH grant application. Here’s what you need to know: Project Summary/Abstract: Think of this as a quick snapshot of your research. You’re giving reviewers a broad overview: what you’re studying, how you’ll do it, and why it matters. Keep it concise (about 30 lines), and make sure it’s.. Read more