about JDRF

JDRF's Volunteer Lay Review Process

What is the Lay Review Committee (LRC)?

The LRC is a group of selected volunteers whose mandate is to make research funding recommendations to the JDRF International Board of Directors. This is accomplished by LRC members participating in a variety of scientific reviews of research grant proposals. These include spring and fall semi-annual reviews, ad hoc reviews, Academic Research and Development reviews, Industry Discovery and Development Partnership program proposal reviews, and site reviews of ongoing research projects. The LRC implements research strategy in partnership with JDRF Research staff and scientists who make up the Medical Science Review Committee (MSRC). Experienced LRC members participate in the Research Portfolio Advisory Committees (RPACs), which are responsible, with staff and the MSRC, for the development of JDRF's research priorities and the establishment of program goals and milestones. LRC members serve as liaisons between the JDRF Research Department and local chapters to improve research communications. LRC members, who serve four-year terms, are responsible for giving research updates to chapters, potential donors, and others in their regions.

Who is on the Lay Review Committee?

LRC members are volunteers whose lives have been affected by type 1 diabetes. The FY08 committee consists of 27 volunteers representing 15 states, the United Kingdom and Canada.  Additionally, there are about 45 former LRC members who serve on the Adjunct LRC. Due to their seasoned backgrounds and experience, these Adjunct members are called upon to co-chair reviewing and advisory panels and to aid and mentor new or prospective LRC members. The current LRC chair is Judy Hunt, a volunteer from Pennsylvania.

What is the Medical Science Review Committee (MSRC)?

The MSRC comprises scientists known for their expertise in the areas of research that match JDRF's focus (autoimmunity, complications, regeneration, replacement and metabolic control). MSRC members review all grant applications and make funding recommendations to the LRC and Research staff.

What Steps are Involved in the Review Process?

The semi-annual reviews serve as an illustrative example of a typical review process:

• Submission: Scientists submit grant applications directly to JDRF.
• Pre-review: Semi-annually, grant applications are reviewed and reported on by three members of the MSRC. At this point, the two co-chairs of each study section also review grants applicable to their study sections. Then, at least four lay reviewers and two different MSRC members discuss the initial report. Projects that are deemed meritorious, innovative and relevant are moved forward to full review.
• Full Review: Three members of the MSRC and at least one LRC member conduct a thorough critique of each recommended project. These critiques are the focus of MSRC and LRC discussions during JDRF's regular research reviews. During these sessions, lay reviewers are able to thoroughly question MSRC members about specific projects.
• Recommendation: After hearing the MSRC evaluations, the LRC meets separately to determine which grants are both scientifically meritorious and closely aligned with JDRF's mission. The LRC recommends these grants for funding by the JDRF International Board.

What is Unique about JDRF's Volunteer Lay Review Process?

This demanding and focused review process ensures that people with a personal type 1 diabetes connection are directly involved in JDRF's research funding decisions. In addition, this process provides a key benefit to JDRF supporters, ensuring their donations are earmarked to the most promising science with the greatest potential to lead to groundbreaking discoveries that accelerate progress toward a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.