Citizen Scientists: You are the topic of discussion.
Well, it appears this blog is certainly spinning some wheels and getting folks talking about your potential. After more than 100 years, the door is being pushed open, presenting opportunities for you to do science, ask questions and voice opinions on critical matters of science policy. Will you accept this invitation or let the door slam shut again?
The experts who study science history, policy, and sociology are talking about you. Check it out!
Cheers!
Tags: Citizen Science, X2 project
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Opportunities for citizens to become public reviewers for NIMH grant applications (deadline July 1)
This call for public reviewers may be of interest – it offers another type of opportunity for participating in science and policy, through training and participation in the grant review process
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; http:/ /www.nimh.nih.gov) is seeking individuals interested in serving as public participant reviewers of research grant applications. NIMH has involved public reviewers as full voting members on committees reviewing mental health interventions and services research applications for the past nine years. The Institute has found that input provided by public reviewers adds important perspective and sensitivity to the review process and helps to ensure the public health relevance of funded grants. Periodically, the NIMH invites members of the public to attend a full day training session to acquaint them with the responsibilities of serving as a public reviewer.
What Do Public Reviewers Do?
Public reviewers read and provide written critiques (usually 1-3 paragraphs) of grant applications. Their critiques focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the application’s ability to contribute to knowledge about public health, the feasibility of the researchers’ plans to engage, recruit and retain participants in a study, outreach efforts to special populations, and issues pertaining to the safety of research participants. At review meetings, public reviewers join the discussion of applications with scientific reviewers and vote on the merit of each application discussed. Review meetings are typically held in the Washington, DC area or by telephone conference call.
Who Are Public Reviewers?
Individuals selected to serve as public reviewers typically have had some involvement with mental health care as consumers, family members, mental health professionals, members of advocacy groups, educators, etc.
Public reviewers will typically meet one or more of the following criteria:
- experience with mental disorders, e.g., as a person with a mental disorder, a family member, caregiver, or supporter of such a person
- experience with mental disorders as a mental health care practitioner, payer or policy maker
- experience as a research participant in studies of mental disorders
- community service involving representation of the interests and perspectives of people with mental disorders, e.g., service on mental health boards or committees, relevant publications, or presentations
When is the Orientation Workshop Scheduled?
The Public Reviewer Training Workshop is scheduled for September 15, 2008 from 9-5 in the Washington, DC area. If you are selected to attend the workshop, NIMH will pay for travel, lodging, per diem expenses and provide a $200 honorarium – all in accordance with Federal regulations.
What To Do If You Are Interested or Know Someone Who Is?
Interested individuals should respond by email to Dawn Smith at smithdaw@mail.nih.gov – please include a copy of your resume and a brief letter highlighting your area(s) of interest and history of involvement with mental health issues. Please include “Public Reviewer Training” in the subject line of your email.
In considering candidates, NIMH is looking for:
1. past participation in decision making bodies at a national, state, or local level
2. experience with clinical trials or the protection of human participants
3. an understanding of the need to include gender and geographic diversity, underrepresented ethnic and racial groups, and individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in any study that involves human participants
4. gender, geographic, racial and ethnic diversity among reviewers
5. evidence of oral and written expression skills
6. availability to participate in review meetings
7. comfort and skill in using the internet and email
8. service, advocacy, policy setting, or other first hand experience with the mental health care system
If you are chosen to attend the training and participate, you will then be added to NIMH’s roster of potential public reviewers. Inclusion on the roster means that over two years’ time, you are likely to be asked to serve as a public reviewer.
Please understand that we are likely to receive many more expressions of interest than available training slots. Expressions of interest will be accepted until July 1, 2008.
Invitations to attend the orientation will be extended by August 1, 2008.
August 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
[...] the idea of inclusivity. The public is starting to take science by the horns in the form of “citizen scientists.” We can make history. It’s going to happen but it can only happen if we step up and get a [...]
January 21st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.