The COBRE Steering Committee will review the applications. If needed, the Committee will recruit additional reviewers with specialized expertise. The Committee will meet in early May to conduct an NIH-style review session. Reviewers will assign scores based on NIH-style criteria (significance, innovation, approach, investigator, environment). Research that strengthens and/or complements existing research projects in the COBRE will be a priority. A key issue will be whether pilot funds are likely to enhance competitiveness for extramural (especially NIH) funding. We will consider candidates not only for the quality of their science but also for their skills in communication and their leadership potential that will make them attractive for promotion and for extramural funding. Written reviews from assigned reviewers, plus a summary from the primary reviewer, will be assembled for each application. The Steering Committee will rank the applications.