The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) is the portal for NIH grant applications and their review for scientific merit. Our mission is to see that NIH grant applications receive fair, independent, expert, and timely reviews - free from inappropriate influences - so NIH can fund the most promising research. To accomplish this goal, Scientific Review Officers (SRO) form study sections consisting of scientists who have the technical and scientific expertise to evaluate the merit of grant applications. The CSR Early Career Reviewer (ECR) program was developed to identify and train qualified scientists who are early in their scientific careers and who have not had prior CSR review experience. Currently, the application process involves repeated email interactions with potential applicants and manual management of information. To make the application process more efficient for applicants and for CSR staff, we have collaborated with the Information Management Branch at CSR to develop online application software which includes the collection of applicants' names, contact information, and professional CVs. This PRA clearance request is to deploy the online application software for ECR program applicants - the Early Career Reviewer Application and Vetting System (EAVS).
US Code:
42 USC 241
Name of Law: PHS- Research and the Investigations General
Minor adjustments have been made in the ECR program requirements and to the EAVS application that correspond to these changes. Additional changes to EAVS include 1) minor aesthetic enhancements to the online interface, 2) sensitive questions that capture applicants socio-demographic and background characteristics (see A.11 for explanation) and 3) an additional question to check applicantâs eligibility for the program and immediate system feedback with reasons for disqualification from the program.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.