Scientific Merit Scoring
TRDRP uses scientific merit categories and rating scale similar to the 1-9 scale used by NIH. Scientific merit scores are assigned by reviewers after evaluating applications in relation to the specific criteria described above. Consistent with the NIH review procedure, once an application has been evaluated according to the appropriate criteria, the reviewer must decide whether it is of sufficient quality to be assigned a scientific merit rating.
Scientific merit scores are assigned according to the following scale:
| Score | Descriptor | Strengths/Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exceptional | Extremely strong with negligible weaknesses |
| 2 | Outstanding | Extremely strong with negligible weaknesses |
| 3 | Excellent | Very strong with only some minor weaknesses |
| 4 | Very Good | Strong but with numerous minor weaknesses |
| 5 | Good | Strong with at least one moderate weakness |
| 6 | Satisfactory | Some strengths but also some moderate weaknesses |
| 7 | Fair | Some strengths but with at least one major weakness |
| 8 | Marginal | A few strengths and a few major weaknesses |
| 9 | Poor | Very few strengths and a few major weaknesses |
Reviewers assign scores as whole numbers and base their rating on analysis of the proposed research in light of the review criteria. Reviewers are instructed to use the full range of scores. Applications are not compared with one another, but rather each is evaluated according to its potential for advancing the state of knowledge in its particular area.
In contrast to the NIH system, TRDRP will not defer review of applications pending receipt of additional information. That is, rather than categorize such applications as “Deferred,” missing critical information should be cited in the written review as a specific weakness and a merit score assigned based on the available information.