PHS Assignment Request Form
Use the optional PHS Assignment Request Form to list expertise needed to review your application, exclude reviewers, and request an institute assignment.
Here’s why you should use the optional PHS Assignment Request Form:
- Having your application assigned to an institute that is enthusiastic about your research may improve your chances of funding.
- We advise you to request a study section after carefully researching groups that are likely to be scientifically appropriate for your application. For investigator-initiated R01, R21, and R03 applications, we also advise you to request assignment to the most appropriate study section of reviewers.
Taking the time to make this request ensures the best match
In the absence of a request from you, NIH’s Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will assign your application to an institute and study section. CSR bases assignments on its referral criteria, relying on referral staff and knowledge-based technologies to decide.
NIH saves the form separately, so you won’t see it included in your application image after you apply. Your peer reviewers won’t see it, either.
- List up to five areas of expertise needed to understand and review your application
- Completing this section is a good idea even if you decide not to use the other parts of the form.
- Highlight disciplines involved, particularly if multidisciplinary, to help the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) assign your application and to ensure the appropriate expertise on the panel.
- Exclude reviewers. NIH policy allows you to list people who should not review your application, though your scientific review officer makes the call.
- Request assignment from CSR to a study section and Institute.
The form includes instructions which you can preview in the Sample PHS Assignment Request Form(link is external)pdf.
See the attached data table that identifies the success rates by Institute/Center:
