Mock Study Section

Have you ever wanted feedback on your grant prior to submission? Interested in finding out how a grant review panel works? Our Mock Study Section simulates NIH study sections to provide investigators and trainees with a realistic review and discussion of individual grant applications prior to their official submission. The event is open to observers as well as applicants.

To participate, researchers submit complete drafts of their applications, which are assigned to experienced Rush University faculty to review. Reviewers meet as a panel to discuss and score grants based on appropriate grant review criteria. Following the event, applicants will receive their score sheets that they can use to revise their grant proposals prior to official submission.

How to participate

1. Complete and submit your pre-proposal, using this form, before 5:00 p.m. on the dates below in advance of each Mock Study Section. Please include a cover letter, abstract, and NIH-style biosketch.
2. Participating PIs will receive pertinent dates and other meeting details.
   • All components should be as complete as possible, and should follow NIH application guidelines, or those for the appropriate federal award mechanism.
   • If you are resubmitting a previous grant application, please include your introduction and previous summary statement.
3. Attend the Mock Study Section (see the schedule below).
4. Use the feedback from the discussion and your score sheets to revise your grant prior to official submission.

Below are significant dates for upcoming Mock Study Sections, which are organized around the deadlines for NIH R01 grants. These sessions may be virtual.