NIFA requests your assistance to ensure our peer review panels have the required expertise while remaining inclusive, representative, and diverse.
NIFA convenes peer review panels comprised of research, education, Extension, and other subject matter experts to review competitive grant applications. Panelist duties include:
- reviewing applications
- drafting and submitting individual ratings and written reviews
- attending and participating in a panel meeting.
During the panel meeting, panelists discuss and reach a group consensus on an application’s rankings. Panel meetings may be conducted via teleconference or in-person.
If you have any questions about panelist roles and responsibilities, please contact the program staff listed in the Request for Applications for the program panel on which you are interested in serving.
Become a Panelist
Panelists are integral to the peer review process, and they are selected based on their expertise and credentials, as well as NIFA panel needs.
Learn moreRequired Training
Panelist Training Coming Soon
Currently each competitive program handles its own panelist training. A standardized training for all panelists is being developed.
As a temporary NIFA employee, panel managers are required to complete a training package. Tackle these trainings as the first task on your list.
Reasonable Accommodation
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any NIFA event, please contact the appropriate Program staff no later than 10 days prior to the event. To find Program staff by event, please visit the NIFA Calendar of Events. NIFA Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. If you need interpretation or translation services please visit NIFA Language Access Services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488 no later than 10 days prior to the event.
This content is available in Spanish. Esta información disponible en Español.