The Scientific/Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the applications based on the following criteria:
Significance:
Assesses whether the project addresses an important problem or critical barrier to progress in PSC research and evaluates the project’s potential to advance scientific knowledge, technical capabilities, and/or clinical practice
Investigator(s):
Evaluates whether the research team is well suited for the project with specific focus on appropriate qualifications and training of young investigators and record of accomplishment for established investigators as well as the collaborative environment supporting the team
Innovation:
Considers how the project challenges current PSC research or clinical practice paradigms and proposes novel concepts or methodologies or offers significant refinement or improvement to current practices
Approach:
Examines the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to ensure they are well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project as well as how well potential challenges are addressed
Environment:
Considers the suitability of the research environment including institutional support, equipment, available resources, and collaborative opportunities
Additional Considerations and Overall Impact:
Evaluates whether the proposed protections meet acceptable ethical and safety criteria for human subjects and vertebrate animals, and provides an overall impact score ranging from exceptional (1) to poor (9)
