O-K Review Mock Study Sections

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Overview of O-K Review

The goal of the O-K Review is to increase our success in keeping junior investigators in HIV research. To do this, the SD CFAR O-K Review Team provides a mock study section that offers investigators a critical review with constructive feedback of certain NIH grant applications before submission. The O-K Review team focuses on K awards, and we also accept F, R01 and R21 applications from first-time submitters. Those who submit applications for review are asked to evaluate those from other submitters. In this way, applicants experience the review process from both sides. 

We hope the mock study section reviews and networking connections will have an impact lasting well beyond the NIH due dates. And better yet: the reviews are free, and refreshments are provided during the in-person meetings!

Check out testimonials and successes from the O-K Review

Other O-K Review Opportunities

 

SD CFAR also offers O-K Review mock study sections for special programs or funding opportunties outside the typical NIH HIV/AIDS review cycle: Department of Medicine O-K Review and Special Programs. Please click on the appropriate links below to view the timeline and required documents needed. 
UC San Diego Department of Medicine
Faculty and postdocs from the UC San Diego Department of Medicine are invited to participate in the O-K Review process. Interested applicants must meet criteria listed above, however applications may be on any topic covered by the Department of Medicine. Department of Medicine O-K Review participants should choose the cycle that best meets their application deadlines. Please email cfar@ucsd.edu.with questions.

Click here for timelines and required documents for Department of Medicine O-K Review applicants. 

Other Special Programs

Occassionally, SD CFAR offers opportunities to participate in O-K Review mock study sections related to specific funding mechanisms. Click here for timelines and required documents for Special Programs applicants.


Required Documents: HIV-Related Applications

 

  1. Specific Aims and Cover Sheet submitted via the new online form: O-K Review for Special Programs.

  2. Application links will be available to applicants who submit Specific Aims by the specified deadline. Details on the application requirements available below.

 

O-K Review Timeline for HIV/AIDS NIH Submission Cycle

 

September 2024 HIV/AIDS NIH Submission Cycle

Date

Action

Monday, July 8, 2024

Specific aims of the proposed application with the SD CFAR cover sheet should be submitted no later than this date in order to participate in the OK Review mock study sections.

LINK TO SUBMISSION FORM
Late submissions will not be accepted

Monday, July 22, 2024

Applications submitted for review by 5:00 pm PT. 

Applicants must have submitted their Specific Aims by the July 8 deadline to receive an application link and to participate in the OK Review mock study section for this cycle. 

Friday, August 9, 2024

OK Review Panel, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PT via Zoom.

NOTE: All applicants are expected to be present at this meeting and should hold this entire time block.

Monday, September 9, 2024

HIV/AIDS Applications due at NIH (standard deadline of September 7 falls on a weekend day)

 

January 2025 HIV/AIDS NIH Submission Cycle

Date

Action

Monday, November 4, 2024

Specific aims of the proposed application with the SD CFAR cover sheet should be submitted no later than this date in order to participate in the OK Review mock study sections.

LINK TO SUBMISSION FORM
Late submissions will not be accepted

Monday, November 18, 2024

Applications submitted for review by 5:00 pm PT. 

Applicants must have submitted their Specific Aims by the July 8 deadline to receive an application link and to participate in the OK Review mock study section for this cycle.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Zoom O-K Review panel, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

NOTE: All applicants are expected to be present at this meeting and should hold this entire time block.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

HIV/AIDS Applications due at NIH 


Application Details

As part of the review and learning process, you will be asked to serve as a reviewer for one of the other submitted applications. As noted above, all applicants are expected to attend and participate in the Zoom review panel. If you are unable to do so, you will receive a limited review only. Additionally, if partial documents are submitted, there will be a limited review only. Specific Aims must be submitted by the stated deadline in order to participate in the O-K Review process.

It is important for SD CFAR to know the outcome of investigator’s participation in the O-K Review process. It is a key indicator used to document value-added as well as to justify resources allocated to the O-K Review. If you have participated in the O-K Review in the past, you must have provided NIH funding outcome information for prior applications to the Administrative Core (cfar@ucsd.edu) to be eligible to participate.

K APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

        Questions to consider:

  1. Have all the major, mandatory science sections (above) been thoroughly drafted?
  2. If this is a K-series grant, have you already undergone at least one round of review and revisions with your mentors?
  3. Does your application meet NIH formatting requirements and page limits?

R APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

       Questions to consider:

  1. Have all the major, mandatory science sections (above) been thoroughly drafted?
  2. If this is an R-series grant, have you already undergone at least one round of review and revisions with your Co-Investigators?
  3. Does your application meet NIH formatting requirements and page limits?

NOTE:

  • If you've answered "yes" to all of the above applicable questions, then your application is eligible for OK review. If you’ve answered “no” to any of the questions, you will only qualify for a limited review only.
  • If partial documents are submitted, there will be a limited review.
  • If applicants are unable to attend the Zoom or in-person review panel, there will be a limited review.
  • As part of the review and learning process, you will be asked to serve as a reviewer for one of the other submitted applications.
  • If you have any comments or questions, please email us at cfar@ucsd.edu

Potential Reviewers

If you are interested in participating as a reviewer one or more of the above mock study sections, please email cfar@ucsd.edu.


 

 

At a Glance