External Application Review

The Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS) External Application Review (EAR) provides provides UConn faculty with a structured opportunity to receive feedback on developing NIH and NSF proposals from experienced UConn faculty and an external reviewer with relevant expertise. Preparing a competitive external grant proposal takes time, and having an opportunity to talk through your ideas and receive expert feedback before submission can make that process stronger.

Program Overview



Strengthen Your Next Grant Proposal

EAR is more than a proposal review.

The process is designed to give investigators an opportunity to discuss their proposal, ask questions, receive constructive feedback, and identify ways to strengthen the final application. Panelists can also facilitate mock interviews for in-development proposals and provide tailored mentoring related to grant writing.

EAR is flexible. We can review the materials for which you are most eager to get feedback.

What You Can Get from EAR

Participants can benefit from:

  • Expert perspective from UConn faculty and an external reviewer with relevant domain expertise.
  • Constructive feedback on their proposal and recommendations for strengthening the final application.
  • An opportunity to discuss ideas, ask questions, and talk through areas of uncertainty.
  • Tailored mentoring related to grant writing and proposal development.
  • Early feedback that provides time to revise before the submission deadline.

Eligibility and Conditions

EAR is available to UConn faculty who are IBACS affiliates and are preparing a new or revised NIH, NSF, or other external application.

You do not need a complete grant application to request an EAR review.

For an EAR request, your proposal should include a draft of the Specific Aims for an NIH application or a Project Description for an NSF application. If you have another form of materials on which you would like to request feedback, submit an application describing your situation.

Become an Affiliate

The External Application Review Panel is open to faculty affiliates of the Institute. If you are not currently an IBACS affiliate, please complete the affiliate membership form before submitting an EAR request.

Membership Form

How to Apply

Required Materials

All applicants must complete the External Application Review Form. You will be asked to provide the following information with your application:

  • An abstract of the project.
  • Names and affiliations of the external reviewer and three UConn faculty with relevant expertise. Discuss how the external reviewer will contribute to the preparation of the grant.
  • A timeline noting the grant deadline, OVPR deadline, when the grant text will be submitted to the committee, and the timing of the committee meeting.

Key Dates

Requests for the External Application Review Panel are accepted on a rolling basis. The Institute will identify appropriate reviewers within two weeks after you submit the request form.

Contact Us

For questions about the External Application Review Panel, please email ibacs@uconn.edu or contact the IBACS Program Coordinator.