Study Section

Also called: Scientific Review Group, SRG, Review panel, Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)

A study section, or Scientific Review Group, is an NIH peer review panel of outside scientists that evaluates the scientific and technical merit of grant applications in the first level of review.

The first level of NIH review is carried out by a study section made up mainly of non-federal scientists with expertise in the relevant fields. Each study section is led by a Scientific Review Officer (SRO), an NIH staff scientist who assigns at least three reviewers to each application.

The NIH Center for Scientific Review assigns applications based on the fit between the application and each review group's published guidelines. Applicants may suggest up to three study sections on the optional PHS Assignment Request Form; all requests are considered but not always honored.

Under temporary review changes NIH made after the 2025 lapse in appropriations, fewer applications are discussed at meetings. Applications in the middle group are labeled "competitive but not discussed" and are still considered for funding.