27 UNIHTED Statement on Changes to Continuous Submission

We at 27 UNIHTED have been speaking with NIH peer review staff, who are devastated about the ending of continuous submission for study section members. We acknowledge that reviewers will bear the brunt of this, while still dedicating themselves to the mission of fair and expert peer review.

This change will discourage many experts from participation in peer review, and a reduction in the number of volunteer reviewers will make it harder for NIH to assess the merits of applications and fund the best science with taxpayer dollars.

Please be aware that your review and program staff are doing their best in a terrible situation, and join us in supporting them as they continue to serve.

If this impacts your interest in participating in the peer review process at NIH, please talk to your university leadership and your colleagues. We ask that you contact your legislators and NIH leadership. And comment on the federal registrar about NIH’s strategic plan. We will continue to monitor this situation, which is evolving. Thank you for being a part of our community - NIH is first and foremost the people behind the mission, and we will not lose sight of this.

- In solidarity,

The 27 UNIHTED team