Reviewing grants is an EXCELLENT way to learn what does and doesn’t work in terms of grantsmanship. However, traditionally you needed to have NIH funding to serve on one of their study sections. But that’s changed. NIH has recently undertaking efforts to add early career reviewers (ECRs) to study sections. They’re actively looking for individuals who have an “active, independent research program, who are published in peer reviewed research journals, and who have not reviewed for CSR in a face-to-face meeting.” NIH funding is not a prerequisite for participation. Interested? More information is available on the webpage for the ECR Program.