How are fellowship applications reviewed?
Most applications are reviewed in study sections that specialize in fellowships. Typically, three to four members of a study section are assigned to review each application. The reviewers receive the application approximately 5 weeks before the study section meets. Prior to the meeting, they read the application and then write evaluations of the candidate, the sponsor and training environment, the research plan, and the training potential (see Q30). When the study section meets, each reviewer summarizes his/her evaluation of the application and then the reviewers and other study section members discuss the application. After the application is discussed, every member of the study section gives it a score and the reviewers submit their written critiques to the SRA. There is a “triage” process for fellowship applications: Reviewers identify applications that they consider in the less competitive range (this may be up to 40 percent of applications) and these applications are “streamlined”
Most applications are reviewed in study sections that specialize in fellowships. Typically, three to four members of a study section are assigned to review each application. The reviewers receive the application approximately 5 weeks before the study section meets. Before the meeting, reviewers assigned to an application give a preliminary impact score. Reviewers also give separate scores and report individually for each of five core review criteria: (1) candidate, (2) sponsor and collaborators, (3) research training plan, (4) training potential and (5) training environment (see Q30). When the study section meets, each reviewer summarizes his/her evaluation of the application and then the reviewers and other study section members discuss the application. After the application is discussed, every eligible member of the study section gives a final priority score and the assigned reviewers submit their final written critiques to the SRO.
