Prelim Guidelines

(Based on NIH Form PHS 398 Instructions)

Observe type size specifications throughout the proposal. The application must be clear, readily legible, and conform to the following three requirements:

  1. The height of the letters must not be smaller than 10 point;
  2. Type density must be no more than 15 characters per inch (cpi). For proportional spacing, the average for any representative section of text must not exceed 15 cpi;
  3. No more than 6 lines of type must be within a vertical inch.

Type requirements should be checked using a standard device for measuring type size, rather than relying on the font selected for a particular word processing/ printer combination. Figures, charts, tables, figure legends, and footnotes may be smaller in size but must be readily legible. The type size used throughout the proposal must conform to all three requirements.

1. TITLE OF PROJECT

Do not exceed 56 characters,including the spaces between words and punctuation. Choose a title that is specifically descriptive, rather than general.

2. DESCRIPTION

State the application’s broad, long-term objectives and specific aims, making reference to the health relatedness of the project. Describe concisely the research design and methods for achieving these goals. Avoid summaries of past accomplishments and the use of the first person. This description is meant to serve as a succinct and accurate description of the proposed work when separated from the application. DO NOT EXCEED ONE PAGE.

3. RESEARCH PLAN

Organize Items a-d, to answer these questions: (1) What do you intend to do? (2) Why is the work important? (3) What has already been done? (4) How are you going to do the work? Do not exceed 25 pages for Items a-d. The PHS recommends the following format and page distribution:

a. Specific Aims

List the broad, long-term objectives and what the specific research proposed in this application is intended to accomplish. State the hypotheses to be tested. One page is recommended.

b. Background and Significance

Briefly sketch the background leading to the pre-sent application, critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically identify the gaps which the project is intended to fill. State concisely the importance and health relevance of the research described in this application by relating the specific aims to the broad, long-term objectives. Two to three pages are recommended.

c. Preliminary Studies/Progress Report

Use this section to provide an account of the applicant’s preliminary studies pertinent to the application information that will help to establish the experience and competence of the investigator to pursue the proposed project. The complete references to appropriate publications and manuscripts submitted or accepted for publication may be listed, and are not part of the page limitations. 3 to 5 pages are recommended for the narrative portion of the Preliminary Studies/Progress Report.

d. Research Design and Methods

Describe the research design and the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims. As part of this section, provide a tentative sequence or timetable for the project. Point out any procedures, situations, or materials that may be hazardous to personnel and the precautions to be exercised.