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. 

---

Required Documents: Special Programs

.

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.

 

---

Upcoming O-K Reviews for Special Programs

 

 

RFA-AI-23-023: International Research in Infectious Diseases

NIH Applications Due August 1, 2025

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support applications for high-priority, regionally relevant infectious diseases research by international investigators in resource-constrained countries. Applicant organizations must be headquartered in foreign (non-U.S.) resource-constrained countries (i.e. low-income economies, lower-middle-income economies, and upper-middle-income economies by World Bank Classification).  Applicant organizations headquartered in low- and lower-middle income economy countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Eligibility status of applicant organizations will be determined by the World Bank Classification list at the time of application submission.

Please note: International applicants who would like to participate in the O-K Review must:

1. Plan to submit an application on a high-priority HIV/AIDS topic
2. Plan to collaborate with SD CFAR members and/or use SD CFAR core services in their proposed research. 
3. NOTE: R01 Clinical Trial not allowed

 

August 2025 RFA-AI-23-023 Submission Cycle
Date	Action
Tuesday, May 20, 2025	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.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025	Applications submitted for review by 5:00 pm PT.  Applicants must have submitted their Specific Aims by the May 20 deadline to receive an application link and to participate in the OK Review mock study section for this cycle.
Week of June 23, TBA	OK Review Panel
Friday, August 1, 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:

• Candidate Background 
• Career Goals and Objectives
• Aims
• Research Plan 
• List of mentors 
• Applicant Biosketch 
• Mentor Biosketch;
• Proposal has undergone at least one round of review and revision with mentor;
• Proposal meets NIH formatting requirements and page limits
• *

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:

• Aims
• Research Strategy
• Candidate Biosketch
• If applicable, Co-Investigator Biosketch(es)
• Proposal has undergone at least one round of review and revision with Co-investigators
• Proposal meets NIH formatting requirements and page limits
• *

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.

---