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PCORI’s merit review process is distinguished by the participation of scientists, patients, and other stakeholders, enabling us to identify high-quality, scientifically rigorous, and patient-centered research studies. Its continued excellence depends on our ability to recruit and retain the most accomplished, broad-thinking and creative perspectives to evaluate broad and topical applications submitted to advance PCORI’s National Priorities for Health.
PCORI seeks Merit Reviewers who share a commitment to patient-centered research and an interest in helping PCORI fulfill its mission of funding research that can help patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders make more informed health and healthcare decisions. Merit Review Panels consist of scientific, patient, and other stakeholder reviewers whose scores are equally weighted to ensure that all perspectives are heard.
Reviewers Qualifications
| Patient and Stakeholder Reviewers | Scientist Reviewers |
|---|---|
Patient and Stakeholder Reviewers are required to have experience with one or more of the following:
| Scientist Reviewers are required to:
|
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Qualities of PCORI Reviewers
- Ability to succinctly summarize complex information in writing and through oral presentation.
- Ability to identify and present key concepts efficiently and clearly.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
- Access to reliable high-speed internet and email, as well as ability to download documents and use online programs.
- Appreciation of the benefits of including gender and geographic diversity; underrepresented patient populations; ethnic and racial groups; and individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in any study involving human participants.
- Experience writing and/or reviewing research applications.
Reviewer Responsibilities
All reviewers will:
- Understand and apply PCORI’s mission, and review criteria, which differ somewhat from those of other funding institutions.
- Review Reviewer Training Manual and attend Reviewer Training webinar
- Seek help from PCORI if you have a question or concern.
- Identify conflicts of interest following PCORI guidelines.
- Read, review, and prepare a written critique for all assigned applications. Reviewers can expect to review approximately 4-6 applications per cycle.
- Represent the perspective of a broad or targeted group of scientists, patients, caregivers, or other stakeholders.
- Provide scores and written critiques electronically by the established Merit Review deadlines.
- Read additional application abstracts to prepare for an informed discussion during the in-person panel meeting.
- Participate in a one- or two-day merit review panel meeting; in-person attendance is required for all reviewers. If specific circumstances, such as a disability, limit a reviewer’s ability to participate at the in-person meeting, PCORI will make needed accommodations.
- Provide feedback to PCORI in follow-up surveys and occasional focus groups.
All PCORI Merit Reviewers for all PFAs will receive $100 for each application reviewed, as well as a $200 stipend for each day of the in-person meeting. All travel and lodging will be coordinated by PCORI for the in-person meeting. If meals and ground transportation are not provided, PCORI will provide reasonable reimbursement.
PCORI primarily recruits reviewers who reside in the United States and its territories as a means to effectively manage the costs of our Merit Review process. If you live in another country in North America, such as Canada or Mexico, you are welcome to apply as we you may have expertise that is not represented by our current U.S.-based reviewers. We cannot accept applications from individuals who reside outside North America.
For questions or information on how to complete the Merit Reviewer Application, email reviewers@pcori.org.
Posted: July 31, 2024
