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  • Rigor and Reproducibility: NIH Guidance

Rigor and Reproducibility: NIH Guidance

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Requirements

"Two of the cornerstones of science advancement are rigor in designing and performing scientific research and the ability to reproduce biomedical research findings. The application of rigor ensures robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. When a result can be reproduced by multiple scientists, it validates the original results and readiness to progress to the next phase of research."  (Reference: https://www.nih.gov/research-training/rigor-reproducibility)

The NIH, in 2016, implemented revised application instructions and strengthened review criteria to improve reproducibility through increased scientific rigor and transparency in grant applications and publications. The four main areas of focus are:

  • Scientific premise (retrospective consideration of the foundation for the application)
  • Scientific rigor (strict application of the scientific method to ensure robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation and reporting of results)
  • Relevant biological variables (those relevant to the experimental design of the study)
  • Authentication of key resources (established resources; i.e. cell lines, specialty chemicals, antibodies, and other biologics)

Applications now require a separate attachment to describe authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources but will not be scored, while the other three areas should be addressed in the Research Strategy of the research application. 

LEARN MORE about the Requirements  FAQs REGARDING RIGOR AND REPRODUCIBILITY

Rigor and Reproducibility Examples  |  Updated Application Instructions  |  Grant Guidelines Poster

 

NIH Links

  • Rigor & Reproducibility Policy Statement
  • Notice:  Authentication of Key Biological/Chemical Resources
  • Research & Training
  • Application Instructions
  • Reviewer Guidance on Rigor & Transparency
  • Notice: Rigor & Transparency in NIH & AHRQ Research Grant applications
  • Rigor & Transparency in NIH and AHRQ Career Development Applications
  • NIH Video on Background & Goals of Rigor & Reproducibility Program
  • One page guide
  • FAQs
  • Notice: Formal Instruction in Rigorous Experimental Design and Transparency to Enhance Reproducibility: NIH and AHRQ Institutional Training Grants, Institutional Career Development Awards, and Individual Fellowships

NSF Links

  • A Framework for Ongoing and Future NSF Activities to Improve Reproducibility, Replicability and Robustness in Funded Research
  • Dear Colleague Letter: Encouraging Reproducibility in Computing and Communications Research
  • Dear Colleague Letter: Reproducibility and Robustness of Results
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