Maintaining confidentiality, security, and integrity of the peer review system is essential for the proper exchange of scientific ideas and evaluation of sensitive information. The consequences of breaches in the peer review process or in the National Institutes of Health process for Council review, leads to the loss of public trust in research. As a reminder, no attempts should be made to influence the outcome of the peer review process, individuals should not contact reviewers on study sections for information, and all communications should be through the Scientific Review Officer (SRO) or the Program Officer, post-review.
Responsibilities and Restrictions
Please understand your responsibilities and the restrictions for peer review. Breaches in the peer review process may lead to serious and significant consequences, including but not limited to:
- notifying you and officials at Ohio State
- deferring your application for peer review or withdrawing the application
- terminating your service in peer review
- pursuing a referral for government-wide suspension or debarment, which would prohibit you from doing business with the federal government
- referring the matter to the NIH Office of Management Assessment and possibly to the Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which could result in criminal penalties, fines, and/or other action(s).
Please review NIH announcements for more information:
- NOT-OD-15-106, Applicant Responsibilities in Maintaining the Integrity of NIH Peer Review
- NOT-OD-18-115, Maintaining Integrity in NIH Peer Review: Responsibilities and Consequences
- NOT-OD-124-073, Maintaining Confidentiality in NIH Peer Review
Additional Information
If you have any questions about your responsibilities, please contact the Office of Research Compliance.