Volunteer Application for NIH Study Section Service

Among the overarching strategic goals that guide the work of the American Pain Society is the goal that NIH and other funders will recognize pain as a distinct and high priority health care problem deserving increased resources for research.

By increasing the number of pain experts participating on NIH IRG’s that review pain grants, we believe it is possible to increase the number and quality of pain grant applications being funded. Working in collaboration with NIH, APS has opened an application web site where interested members may volunteer for nomination to a study section.

The quality of the NIH peer review process reflects the quality of the reviewers serving on study sections. The NIH would appreciate your assistance in identifying highly qualified and experienced members of the pain research community who are willing to volunteer to serve as NIH reviewers. Both permanent and ad hoc study section members are needed periodically.

Are you

  • A recognized authority in your field?
  • A principal investigator on a research project comparable to those being reviewed?
  • Dedicated to high quality and objective reviews?

APS Members are invited to submit their name and qualifications for nomination to NIH study section services. Your information will be provided to NIH for their consideration, although submission of this information does not guarantee nomination or selection for service.

The general requirements for NIH study section service include

  • Current peer reviewed research funding at a level consistent with the grants that will be reviewed by the study section (typically at the NIH R01 level).*
  • Expertise in the scientific area covered by the assigned study section
  • Availability to serve three times/year for four years OR two times/year for six year (for permanent Members, but initial service is often temporary).
  • Fulfillment of diversity requirements for geographic distribution, gender, race and ethnicity.

* Grants such as Veterans Affairs Merit Review, National Science Foundation, private foundation grants or foreign grants that are peer reviewed and indicate a substantial research endeavor would be looked on favorably.

Specific study sections requirements for service may include

  • Familiarity with grant mechanisms reviewed by the study section
  • Appropriate breadth of basic, translational and/or clinical scientific knowledge

The NIH Center for Scientific Review determines reviewer eligibility for nomination and selects individuals for service based on numerous factors including but not limited to eligibility. To better understand the nomination and selection process, service requirements, and factors for study section development and updating please see:

How Scientists are Selected for Study Section Service

If you would like to be considered for nomination to study section services, please complete an application form

Thank you.