The
goals of the Spiritual Transformation Scientific Research Program
are to advance our understanding of the nature of spiritual transformation.
In the written comments reviewers will be asked to discuss the following
aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that
the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit
of these goals. Each of these criteria (which have been adopted
from NIH peer review criteria) will be addressed and considered
in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for
each application. Note that the application does not need to be
strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific
impact and thus deserve a high quality priority score. For example,
an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by
its nature is not innovative but is essential to move the field
forward.
Significance: Does this study address an important
problem or aspect within the understanding of spiritual transformation?
If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific
knowledge about spiritual transformation be advanced? What
will be the effect of this study on the concepts or methods
that currently define the research on spiritual transformation?
Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods,
and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate
to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge
potential problem areas and consider alternate tactics?
Innovation:
Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods?
Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge
existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?
Is there evidence that the project is capable of generating
vibrant multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary discourse within
research communities?
Investigator:
Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to
carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the
experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers
(if any)?
Environment:
Does the scientific and scholarly environment in which the work
will be done contribute to the probability of success? Does
the proposed project take advantage of unique features of the
scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements?
Is there evidence of institutional support? Do you have resources
available to leverage for other sources of support for short-
and long-term development?
