CCTS has a nickname for the still relatively new NIH requirements for rigor, reproducibility, and transparency—“R2T.” “The acronym represents our efforts to distill and simplify what is actually a serious challenge for all researchers submitting grants to either NIH or AHRQ,” explained CCTS Research Commons Director Dr. Jennifer Croker. “Our goal is to ensure the scientific community is well-prepared to successfully meet these new guidelines.” 

To that end, the CCTS has developed an outstanding “a la carte menu” of resources to help researchers understand how to implement R2T in their grants. For those who enjoy learning from videos, there is a growing playlist on the CCTS YouTube channel that includes monthly Forum presentations from as far back as Dec. 2015 and a new suite of educational videos that provide a step-by-step explanations of each requirement along with tips for grant writers to address them. 

Early in 2016, the CCTS stood up a dedicated R2T web page that went live almost immediately after the requirements took effect on Jan. 25, 2016. The page was recently updated to reflect guidance provided to NIH study section reviewers and to highlight several new CCTS R2T resources including the new educational videos. It best serves those who like to learn by reading. 

For those who learn best by observation, the CCTS provides in its Grant Library several samples of the Authentication of Biological and/or Chemical Resources, a required attachment for all grants, even if the proposed research does not require such resources. “Although the current samples have not yet been reviewed, they reflect the high standards of excellence in grant writing we believe NIH is seeking,” explained Dr. Croker. “With the continued generous partnership of successfully funded investigators from across our partner network, we plan to include funded samples not only of the attachment, but also of scientific premise, robust approach, and relevant biological variables,” she said. The attachment, while not a scored criteria, must be submitted before funding is released to award-winning grants. 

For those who prefer to learn in person, the CCTS offers walk-in clinics, consultations (by appointment), and Forum presentations where attendees are encouraged to bring their R2T questions. Dr. Croker encourages anyone struggling with understanding or meeting the new requirements to “reach out and ask for help, don’t be shy and risk a poorly scored grant,” by contacting CCTS Research Commons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 205-934-7442. 

Mark your calendar for our next R2T-oriented Forum on Wed. Sept. 7^th, which will feature the latest updates from NIH study section reviewers and applicants whose grants have been reviewed under the new requirements!