Rigor & Reproducibility

Addressing an increasing trend of reports of failure to replicate important basic/preclinical studies, the NIH has introduced new standards for grant applications that require researchers consider the robustness of their proposed research, including:

• Scientific premise, or the research that forms the basis of proposed questions (i.e., consider the strengths and weaknesses of prior research and/or preliminary data),
• Scientific rigor, or the strict application of the scientific method to ensure robust and unbiased experimental design and results,
• Biological variables, such as sex, age, weight and underlying health conditions, and
• Key biological and/or chemical resources, such as cell lines, antibodies, specialty chemicals, etc

The following resources provide context for these changes, as well as information about how to address them in your proposal sections, and we invite you to download the "Understanding Rigor & Reproducibility Standards" presentation by Jill Jividen, Ph.D., Assistant Director for Research Development.

“Journals unite for reproducibility” in Nature and in Science.

Implementing Rigor and Transparency:

• NOT-OD-16-011 (research grant applications)
• NOT-OD-16-012 (career development)

NIH Overview: Principles & Guidelines
NIH Policy: Rigor and Transparency—Module 1
NIH: One-Page Resource Chart

Open Mike:

• New! "Rigorous Resources for Rigorous Research"
• "Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources in NIH Grant Applications"
• “Bolstering Trust in Science through Rigorous Standards”
• “Consideration of Relevant Biological Variables”
• “Scientific Premise in NIH Grant Applications”
• “Scientific Rigor in NIH Grant Applications”

NIH OER: Rigor & Reproducibility: Guidance
NIH OER: Rigor &Reproducibility: EXAMPLES
NIH OER: Rigor & Reproducibility: FAQs
NIGMS Training Modules to Enhance Data Reproducibility

Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources
"Extramural Nexus: “What Kind of Information Should I Include…?”
New! Experimental Design Assistant (pre-clinical studies)