Vision Research

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The major elements in the initial scientific and technical review of most applications include an assessment of significance, approach, innovation, investigator training and experience, and the scientific environment. In addition to these criteria, in accordance with NIH policy, all applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following: the adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities, and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research; the reasonableness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; and, the adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. A second level review of the programmatic relevance of most applications is provided by the National Advisory Eye Council. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget requested for the work proposed; (7) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (8) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment.