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 a specific focus on appropriate qualifications and training of young investigators and a 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)
