Mock Study Sections

Grant Application Mock Study Sections

The Development Core offers Mock Study Sections (MSS) for SoCa pilot program PIs and Early Scholar Program participants. These study sections mimic NIH review processes for K or R-level grant submissions. By conducting these study sections SoCa provides junior investigators with both the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the NIH review process and the opportunity to strengthen their grant applications.

Recommended Review Timeline

We utilize the following timeframe for most mock study sections. This schedule provides the application reviewers with enough time for meaningful scientific review while giving applicants enough time to incorporate feedback into a stronger submission:

  • Reach out to SoCa and Request a MSS

    Submit a request for a Mock Study Section to Nicol Combs at nib4013@med.cornell.edu.

    In your request, you must include your drafted specific aims page and information on the grant mechanism that you are applying to.

  • Invitation Sent to Reviewers

    SoCa will review your specific aims page and the mechanism you are applying to.

    After careful consideration we will reach out to established investigators at external institutions who have successfully applied to the same mechanisms that you are applying to, and with the same research focuses.

  • Submit Full Application Draft to SoCa

    While we convene a group of reviewers, please complete your application draft and submit the materials to us by the 6th week.

    We will review the materials for completeness.

  • Application Distributed to Reviewers

    5 weeks out from your applications deadline we will forward your application materials to the panel of reviewers.

    Reviewers will have approximately 2 weeks to review your materials and complete their feedback.

  • Written Critique Returned to SoCa

    Approximately 3 weeks before the deadline, we will recede the reviewers’ feedback on your application. We will forward this feedback to you for incorporation into your final draft.

    The reviewers’ ability to review your materials and our ability forward their feedback to you within this timeframe is based on how soon you provide your completed materials to us. Please keep this in mind as you work on your application draft.