HESI Emerging Issues Process

Emerging Issues Process Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who can submit a proposal?

  Who can submit a proposal? Anyone from the public or private sectors can submit a proposal. Submissions do not require current or prior affiliation with the HESI organization.

• What is the process for submission and approval of a proposal?

  Proposals are solicited once per year typically from September – December. These proposals undergo detailed initial review by HESI’s multi-sector public/private Emerging Issues Committee (EIC). Two or more promising proposals are selected by the committee. These priority proposals are then submitted to HESI membership for prioritization and voting. The most promising proposals will form the basis of new scientific initiatives within HESI.

• What are the proposal selection criteria?

  The following criteria are used to identify potential projects appropriate for HESI action:

  • The issue should be a priority for a broad cross-section (academia, industry, government, etc.) of the scientific community and should have current public health significance.
  • HESI’s efforts to address the issue will have measurable scientific impact.
  • Lengthy academic research proposals will not be considered. Proposals should reflect applied science as contrasted with basic discovery science.
  • Proprietary and product-specific issues will not be considered. Proposals should not include lobbying or advocacy components.
  • HESI’s efforts to address the issue should not be duplicative of other groups.
  • Although not required, projects that come with matching resources will be given special consideration.

• Do I need to have dedicated funding to propose a project?

  No. Proposal submissions do not require a commitment of resources, however, projects that bring matching funds or collaborative grants will be given special consideration. HESI will provide staff support for scientific program design, coordination, and management. HESI relies on in-kind contributions from participants as well as dollar contributions from partner organizations to complete more complicated projects, such as laboratory studies.