A recent Researcher's Alert informed our investigators that starting in 2016, NIH would require all applications due on or after January 25, 2016 to address “rigor in designing and performing scientific research, and the ability to reproduce biomedical research findings.” (IMPORTANT: New for your 2016 NIH applications -- Rigor and Reproducibility).
NIH has recently announced that Rigor and Transparency must also be addressed in all progress reports (RPPRs) that are due on or after January 25, 2016. Specifically:
"By January 25, 2016, the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) instructions will be updated to include the following additional guidance for 6.2 Section B - Accomplishments, in addition to the existing instructions. Progress reports submitted on or after January 25, 2016 that are initiated prior to the instruction updates may use the current forms while following these additional instructions. The instructions that will address rigor are listed below for your convenience.
B.2 What was accomplished under these goals?
Include the approaches taken to ensure robust and unbiased results.
B.6 What do you plan to do for the next reporting period to accomplish these goals?
Discuss efforts to ensure that the approach is scientifically rigorous and results are robust and unbiased."
More information and background can be found in NOT-OD-16-031.