During a break at an NIH review panel a few years ago, I was scanning the list of grant applications that were not being scored because they were considered uncompetitive (usually about 50% of all applications). One caught my eye because it was a resubmission from a famous scientist that I knew. I wondered why this accomplished scientist would have his grant summarily rejected twice.
First, I read the reviews of the proposal from its initial submission, which revolved around the technical feasibility of an approach he was implementing. All three reviewers mentioned the same central issue. I then read the response of the applicant, which began: "It is so typical of the status quo, that when their sacred cow is gored, they circle the wagons in defense…." Ouch! I immediately guessed why the grant was rejected the second time.
Although such an emotional response from a well-regarded scientist was ...
