A “Sample Letter to NIH Program Officer Summary Statement” is a concise document. It summarizes your research proposal. You send it to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program officer. This is usually done before submitting a full grant application.
Need help with your letter? We’ve got you covered. We’ll share sample templates. These will guide you in writing your own. These samples make the process much easier.
Our goal is to help you. We provide various examples. You can adapt them to your specific needs. Get ready to craft a compelling summary statement.
Sample Letter To Nih Program Officer Summary Statement
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Program Officer Name]
[Program Officer Title]
National Institutes of Health
[NIH Address]
**Subject: Summary Statement for [Grant Application Number] – [Grant Application Title]**
Dear Dr. [Program Officer Last Name],
I am writing to you regarding the summary statement for my grant application, [Grant Application Number], entitled “[Grant Application Title]”. I received the summary statement on [Date].
I appreciate the reviewers’ comments and suggestions. I am particularly interested in [mention a specific point or concern raised in the summary statement]. I believe this [mention a specific point or concern] can be addressed by [briefly explain how you would address the concern].
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the summary statement with you further. Please let me know if you are available for a brief call at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
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How to Write Letter To NIH Program Officer Summary Statement
Subject Line: Concision is Key
- Employ a subject line that’s both laconic and informative. For example: “Summary Statement Inquiry – [Grant Application Number] – [PI Last Name].”
- Avoid verbose or ambiguous phrasing. Clarity is paramount.
Salutation: Professional Courteousness
- Address the Program Officer by name, using “Dear Dr. [Last Name].”
- Never use informal greetings like “Hi” or “Hello.”
- Ensure meticulous accuracy in spelling and titles. A blunder here is inauspicious.
Body – Paragraph 1: Express Gratitude and State Intention
- Begin by expressing gratitude for the time the Program Officer dedicated to reviewing your application.
- Clearly articulate the purpose of your email: to seek clarification on specific points within the summary statement.
- Evade any hint of entitlement or complaint. Maintain an attitude of inquisitive professionalism.
Body – Paragraph 2: Pinpoint Areas of Concern
- Identify the specific sections or critiques in the summary statement that engender uncertainty.
- Phrase your queries with precision, avoiding broad or nebulous questions.
- Instead of “I don’t understand this comment,” try, “Could you elaborate on the panel’s concerns regarding [specific aspect of the research design]?”
Body – Paragraph 3: Demonstrate Comprehension (Even When Seeking Clarity)
- Show that you have diligently pondered the summary statement’s content.
- Offer your interpretation of the critiques, even if it’s preliminary. This demonstrates engagement.
- For instance: “My understanding is that the reviewers found the preliminary data inconclusive. We are currently augmenting the dataset with [specific action].”
Body – Paragraph 4: Reiterate Commitment and Future Actions
- Reaffirm your dedication to addressing the reviewers’ concerns.
- Briefly outline the steps you intend to take for the resubmission or revision of your application.
- This showcases proactive responsiveness and a well-considered plan.
Closing: Cordial and Forward-Looking
- Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
- Include your full name and title.
- Express your appreciation for their guidance and offer to provide any additional information, should it be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Sample Letter to NIH Program Officer Regarding Summary Statement
Understanding how to effectively communicate with your NIH Program Officer after receiving your summary statement is crucial. This FAQ section addresses common inquiries regarding the content and purpose of such letters.
1. What is the primary purpose of sending a letter to my NIH Program Officer after receiving the summary statement?
The primary purpose is to seek clarification on the summary statement, discuss its implications for your application, and potentially explore strategies for resubmission or future applications.
2. What information should I include in a letter to the NIH Program Officer?
Include your grant application number, a brief summary of your project, specific questions about the reviewers’ comments or scores, and an expression of your intent to revise and resubmit (if applicable).
3. Is there a specific tone I should adopt when writing this letter?
Maintain a respectful, professional, and appreciative tone. Frame your questions constructively and avoid being defensive or argumentative.
4. When is the appropriate time to send this letter after receiving the summary statement?
It is generally recommended to send the letter within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few weeks of receiving the summary statement, allowing you time to carefully review the feedback.
5. Should I include any additional materials with the letter, such as revised aims or preliminary data?
No, do not include additional materials with your initial letter. The purpose is to seek clarification and guidance. Follow the Program Officer’s advice if they request further information.