New Somatosensory and Pain Systems (SPS) Study Section Chartered

There will soon be an NIH study section dedicated to the review of basic science grants on Pain. At the March 26 Advisory Council meeting, the Center for Scientific Review formally chartered the Somatosenosry and Pain Systems (SPS) Study Section. We are very appreciative to the Center for Scientific Review for hearing the voices of pain scientists, who have long hoped for a dedicated Study Section to help improve the quality of peer review of Pain grants submitted to the NIH. CSR is now working on implementation of the SPS study section with a target of having it in place for the January 2019 Council round (grant reviews occurring in fall, 2018).

The newly-formed SPS study section will be implemented in parallel with the new Chemosensory Systems (CSS) study section. The two are a result of a division of two focus areas previously reviewed by the SCS (Somatosensory and Chemosensory Sciences) study section, which will be retired with the implementation of SPS and CSS.