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Grant Peer Review Board
Fellows' Career Development
Table of Contents
Purpose of the Fellows' Grant Peer Review Board
Meeting Formats
Sample Schedule
Program Leaders
Related Topics
Purpose of the Fellows' Grant Peer Review Board
The Fellow’s Grant Peer Review Board is a cohort of fellows who are focused on improving their grantspersonship skills and understanding of the grant writing, reviewing, and submission process. In the Fall, we host a structured series of sessions including writing groups, confidential peer review of fellows’ grants, and seminars delivered by intramural and extramural speakers. Writing group and peer review sessions continue throughout the year, meeting biweekly.
Anyone and everyone is welcome, from fellows actively writing for a deadline to those brainstorming ideas and those looking to improve their understanding of the grant process. While the majority of grants written by fellows include the BWF CASI, intramural opportunities (e.g., Coleman Research Innovation Award, ODS Research Scholars Program), K99/R00, and K22, we welcome and provide feedback on all grants.
Meeting Formats
Meetings have three general formats:
Seminars:
In the Fall, we will have invited speakers present on grant writing and answers fellows’ questions. Speakers will provide how to’s for various parts of a grant including the Specific Aims page, Research Strategy, Biosketch, and Candidate Section. Speakers will also present about the review process, other funding opportunities, and specifics on how to submit a grant as an intramural fellow.
Peer Review:
Year-round, we will provide confidential, constructive peer-to-peer verbal and written feedback and discussion on grant materials. Everyone who participates in peer review must sign a confidentiality statement. Both writers and reviewers are always welcome to participate in peer review sessions, and we encourage writers who receive feedback to also provide feedback to others.
Writing Group:
Year-round, we will host office hours to provide a supportive environment for fellows in any stage of the grant-writing process (from planning to actively writing) to set aside time to focus on their grant alongside their peers. We will be available to answer grant-related questions and help find resources. Fellows will have the opportunity to bounce ideas off others while brainstorming and writing.
Sample Schedule
January – July
Biweekly office hours which can function as planning, writing, and/or peer review sessions:
Writing a grant for a spring, summer, or early fall deadline? We can help you set up a writing schedule and review any written material you’d like to share.
Brainstorming ideas for future grants or working on an early draft of your Specific Aims? Bounce ideas off others as you work to develop your proposal.
Interested in a writing a grant but not sure where to start? We are happy to answer questions and help you find resources to support you on your grant-writing journey.
August – December
Structured session of seminars, peer review, and writing groups:
Week 1: Welcome, overview, & assessment of cohort composition and needs
Week 2: “How to Write the Specific Aims Page”
Week 3: "Nuts and Bolts of Submitting an NIH Grant" with
Mercedes Arana
, Ph.D.
Week 4: Writing Group
Week 5: Peer Review: Specific Aims
Week 6: “How to Write the Research Strategy”
Week 7: “Non-NIH Funding Opportunities”
Week 8: Writing Group
Week 9: Peer Review: Research Strategy
Week 10: “How to Write a Biosketch”
Week 11: “Experience of Prior Applicants” featuring fellows who are grant awardees
Week 12: Off for holiday
Week 13: Peer review: Biosketch
Week 14: “Candidate Section”
Week 15: Writing Group
Week 16: Peer review: Candidate Section
Week 17: Off for holiday
Week 18: Peer review: Any grant material
Submit early! Schedule an appointment with
Mercedes Arana
, Ph.D. to submit your grant.
Questions? Email program leaders.
Program Leaders
Jennifer Ish, Ph.D., Chair, 2024 - Present, IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow
Jennifer joined NIEHS in 2021 and participated in the Fellows Grant Peer Review Board as a reviewer and a writer before becoming a co-chair. Receiving feedback from peers with multiple perspectives and meeting with speakers was crucial in her grant writing journey, and she now looks forward to supporting other fellows in this area. Email:
Jennifer Ish
Hear From Program Participants
Getting peer feedback was invaluable because you get direct feedback on how to improve your grant without the pressure of feeling like you need to impress a mentor. Additionally, because you read grants that are not specific to your field of work when you review, it gives you insight into grantsmanship and how to write a grant for someone who might not be a content matter expert.
Elizabeth M. Martin, Ph.D.
Related Topics
Grant Peer Review Board
NIEHS Fellow Grant Winners
Pre-Vetted Funding for NIEHS Fellows
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Last Reviewed: December 22, 2025