All applications will undergo a review by a representative group of ICN stakeholders. J&J, as programme sponsor, may receive a summary of applications under funding consideration but will not make funding decisions. Subject‑matter experts may be engaged as needed.
Proposals will be evaluated using an overall impact framework, with scoring focused on scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. A standardized evaluation guide will be used for all reviews.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following:
- Significance - Importance of the problem addressed; relevance and impact on improving remission and sustained remission.
- Innovation - Novelty of concepts, analytics, methods, or approaches; potential to shift understanding or practice.
- Approach - Rigor, quality, and feasibility of the study design; appropriateness of methods; analytic plan; risk mitigation; clarity of milestones achievable within one year.
- Investigators - Qualifications, experience, and readiness of the PI and team; adequacy of mentorship and Center support.
- Environment - Access to ICN data resources, biostatistical support, and institutional infrastructure necessary for successful completion.
- Health Disparity - Use of inclusive language; thoughtful integration of social drivers, ZIP‑code context, and demographic factors; alignment with ICN’s mission and values.
- Feasibility / Deliverability - Likelihood that proposed aims can be completed within the 12‑month project period.
An ICN-led steering committee, including relevant J&J Sponsor representatives as appropriate, will apply these criteria to assign overall impact scores and recommend award selections.