Comments of current and former NIH Study Section members:

"Now I have a pretty good idea what turns off the reviewers and what to avoid. A simple answer is avoid jargon and keep it easy to comprehend. I did not hear of any grant being criticized for being too simple…too boring perhaps, but never too simple, provided the idea behind the proposal was sound."

"What I like is an entertaining read. Bad spelling and bad grammar definitely turn me off."

"Use all the buzzwords."

"If you have a sexy idea, make sure you put it up front."

"Be redundant, verbose, and childlike to make sure they understand. There is no bonus for a 16 page grant."

"Be obsessive."

"Clarity...clarity...clarity."

"Small fonts drive me crazy."