Scientifc Review Criteria

Scientific reviewers will be chosen based on their expertise with respect to the application.  The scientific reviewers provide an evaluation of the scientific merit of the proposed research using the criteria listed below.  They will also evaluate the appropriateness of the budget, and review animal and human subject use as needed.  Reviewers maintain strict confidentiality regarding the applications.

Scientific Peer Review Evaluation Criteria
Please use the following questions as a guide in evaluating the application.

Significance and Relevance:  Does the proposed study address a critical problem in the field of Prader-Willi syndrome research? How will the successful completion of the proposed studies advance our understanding of Prader-Willi syndrome and lead to the goal of developing effective therapies to treat PWS?  What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods in the field of PWS and related research?

Innovation:  Are the aims of the study innovative and original?  Do the proposed studies use novel concepts, approaches or methods?  Does the project challenge existing paradigms, develop new methodologies, or explore new or understudied areas?

Research Strategy: Will the proposed studies appropriately address the experimental problem?  Is sound scientific reasoning apparent?  Are the experimental design, methods, and data analysis logical, well developed and integrated? Is there supportive preliminary data, when necessary? (note: preliminary data are not required)  Are potential problems anticipated and alternatives proposed?  Are the proposed studies feasible?

Principal Investigator:  Is the principal investigator appropriately trained to carry out the proposed research?  Where necessary, has the PI included investigators or collaborators with expertise needed to conduct the research successfully?  Are the necessary collaborative arrangements in place?

Overall Evaluation:  Briefly summarize the major strengths and weaknesses of the application in terms of the review criteria, emphasizing those areas you feel are most relevant for the application.