Hype is All the Rage in Grant Applications

This is incredible news! It’s definitely something that everyone will want to take notice of! Language in grant applications are in “hype”-er drive!

A recent STAT article, citing research published in the JAMA Network Open, noted that scientists seeking grant funding are more commonly using “hype” adjectives — such as “novel," “critical,” “sustainable,” and “actionable” — in their award proposals. The research found that 130 out of 139 hype adjectives increased in their use by an average of more than 1300% in successful applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) between 1985 and 2020, according to the article.

Study author Neil Millar from Japan’s University of Tsukuba, explained that while its not unethical, compared to data manipulation, the use of hype words can affect how proposals are evaluated. An example application included in the article stated: “This objective will be accomplished via provision of effective scientific and administrative leadership; development of efficient, innovative core facilities; recruitment of funded, committed investigators; promotion of interdisciplinary approaches and interactive projects; and promulgation of communication, education and training.”

Within the article, Millar explains that after evaluating NIH grant application notices, the trend to use hype adjectives also appear in NIH information on how to apply for the grants. “It may be the case that the rise in hype words in applications has happened, in part, because regulators planted the seeds,” the STAT article adds.

Regardless of which words are used, federal agencies are required by the uniform guidance to select applicants based on merit and a review of risks posed by applicants (§§200.205-.206). For their part, regardless of flowery language in the applications used to win the grant, awarded applicants are required to meet expected outcomes under the grant program (§200.301(a)).

We’re all surrounded by the hype. The real question is can we live up to the hype, so that our grant projects truly are “critical” and “unprecedented.”

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