University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Pre-R Transition Program

The Pre-R program is a pre-submission mock grant review process for faculty who are submitting their first R-level application to the NIH or other granting agencies. This CCTSI program provides the opportunity for anyone to submit their R-type grant proposals for internal review prior to submission to the funding agency. Participants of this program will receive insight into the grant review process and help to improve the science and format of their applications thereby increasing their chances for success. The process requires internal submission of planned R application, or equivalent approximately one-month in advance of NIH deadlines. Core reviewers will then discuss the applications and provide verbal, as well as written feedback for incorporation into the final proposal. Specialty content reviewers will also participate in study sections on an "ad hoc" basis. All applicants receiving reviews are required to attend the mock study section in person.

Pre-R Success Rates (pdf)

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Who is eligible?

Participants must be planning to submit an R type application or equivalent. Acceptable grant types include RO1, RO3, R21, VA Merit, subspecialty type research applications (e.g. ADA, AHA, JDF, ATA). Preference will be given to early career applicants. Resubmissions will be considered. Candidates must have a faculty appointment at a CCTSI affiliated institution. Please note that participants will be limited to a total of 3 application cycles.

To accurately assess the number of applications/cycle a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required. Please have the following information available: Name, position, department, title of application, type of application (R01, R21 etc), NIH Institute (or name of other funding agency), Abstract (please include a link to the specific grant announcement at the top of the page), Specific Aims page, and suggested reviewers. You will receive broad comments on your abstract and aims from the core reviewers for inclusion in your application. At the time of the mock study section content experts will also review your grant.

Please choose from the following Primary type of research definitions and include with your LOI and application (reference: Harvard Catalyst):

T1 - With T1 translational research, findings from basic research are tested for clinical effect and/or applicability. T1 research yields knowledge about human physiology and the potential for intervention.
T2 - With T2 translational research, investigators test new interventions under controlled environments to form the basis for clinical application and evidence-based guidelines. T2 research yields knowledge about the efficacy of the interventions in optimal settings.
T3 - With T3 translational research, investigators explore ways of applying recommendations or guidelines in general practice. T3 research yields knowledge about how interventions work in real-world settings.
T4 - With T4 translational research, investigators study factors and interventions that influence the health of populations. T4 research ultimately results in improved global health.

Instructions for full application: Please create one PDF document for uploading into the internal, online application. Please include all components required by the funding agency including, but not limited to, the following: face page, summary statement (for resubmitted proposals), biosketches (please note NIH notice regarding changes to the biosketch format), scientific proposal (e.g. 12 pgs/R01, 6 pgs/R21), budget justification including % of effort, letters of support, etc.

Letter of Intent Due
December 19, 2024

Application Due
January 3, 2025

Mock Study Section (Attendance Required)
January 17, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm

NIH Deadlines
October 5
February 5
June 5

Next Cycle Dates
Letter of Intent: April 3, 2025
Full application: April 18, 2025
Mock study: May 2, 2025 (1:00pm - 4:00pm)

Pre-R Resources Provided

Expert pre-review of scientific method, formatting & grantsmanship.
Open discussion of proposals at mock study section with all applicants and mentor(s) in attendance. This allows for increased impact and further understanding of grant review process.
Written comments and ability to contact reviewers in person for further advice about proposal style, format & substance.

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