Resources for understanding NIH Resubmission policies

In the May edition of Extramural Nexus, the NIH included two stories on resubmissions: “Last Call for A2 Applications” and “How We Determine What is a ‘New’ Application.” Research Funding & Development Services (RFDS) is planning a forum to address these issues, so stay tuned! Until then, here is a brief look at what you need to know about resubmissions.

A2 Applications

NIH has reduced the number of resubmissions allowed from two to one (NOT-OD-10-080) as part of their Enhancing Peer Review Initiative, but if you submitted your new application before January 25, 2009, then you are still allowed two resubmission attempts (A1 and A2 applications). Some exceptions apply. Refer to the chart above, or refer to the notice if you have questions regarding your eligibility to submit an A2 application.

New vs. Resubmission Applications

When submitting a new application, be careful that you’re not actually sending in a “resubmission.” According to the NIH, “Even if changed from previous submissions, applications may not be considered new if many of the hypothesis, aims, and/or outcome measures are the same or highly similar.”

NIH’s Center for Scientific Review has created a new resource to help investigators understand how this process works. Visit the Center for Scientific Review’s website for more information.