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Communicating Research Intent and Value in NIH Applications

https://grants.nih.gov/grants-process/write-application/general-grant-writing-tips/communicating-research-intent-and-value-in-nih-applications

Scope Note

Use plain language in your application to clearly express the intent, value and potential impact of your research on public health. Learn how to write clear, succinct, professional language in your application titles, abstracts, and statements of public health relevance.

On this page:

Why Plain Language?

Plain language in your application helps you and NIH:

Your application is easier for peer reviewers and NIH staff to understand.
It helps NIH inform the public and Congress about the value and impact of the scientific programs we fund.

We instruct peer reviewers to expect plain language in your application's title, Project Summary/Abstract and Project Narrative, and statement of public health relevance. When your award is funded, these sections of your application are available to Congress and the public on NIH's RePORTER website.

Advice on Clear Technical Writing

It can be challenging to strike a balance between being too scientific and too colloquial, which may lead to misinterpretations of the research value. When you write at a level that will be understood by an educated audience, a great idea will speak for itself.

Your reviewers will need scientific and technical details to evaluate the merit of your application. Include this information in the Research Plan and other sections of the application where it is appropriate.