Only applications addressing Translational Science are considered. The Pilot Program Management Committee performs the scientific review of proposals based on four criteria: Significance, Innovation, Approach, and Potential for developing the line of research into an externally funded protocol in line with LINCATS themes. Similar to NIH reviews, three committee members (those with expertise most closely matching the proposal) score each application on a nine-point scale and provide comments. Proposals are reviewed by the CAB and Community Ambassadors to score the proposal based on alignment with community needs and feasibility.
If the applicant agrees, Dr. DeLorenzo provides reviewers’ anonymized comments (without scores) to every applicant and meets with each to discuss how to improve their original proposal. Thus, both awarded and non-awarded applicants benefit from mentoring, and the non-awarded applicants are prepared to resubmit for future pilot funding calls.
