- The document provides guidance on writing an effective rebuttal letter in response to criticisms of a grant application. - It outlines common fixable problems reviewers may identify like poor writing or insufficient data/details, and less fixable issues like philosophical disagreements. - The rebuttal section should be one page, summarize criticisms positively, address concerns respectfully with changes or explanations, and maintain a polite, positive tone to convince reviewers the grant merits funding.

1. How to Write a
Rebuttal Letter
Scott G. Filler, M.D.
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute
at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

2. The Grief Cycle
Do NOT write
rebu/al le/er
Write rebu/al
le/er

3. The Process
• Contact program officer
o Telephone better than email
• Read summary statement closely
o Especially the Resume and Summary of
Discussion
• Look for common themes

4. Common Fixable Problems
• Poor writing
• Insufficient information, experimental
details, or preliminary data
• Significance not convincingly stated
• Approach not shown to be feasible,
but applicant can demonstrate
feasibility
• Insufficient discussion of potential
problems and alternatives approaches

5. Not Fixable or More
Difficult Problems
• Philosophical issues (reviewers believe
work is not significant)
• Hypothesis not sound or not
supported by data presented
• Work has already been done
• Proposed methods not suitable for
testing the hypothesis
• Poor investigator or environment
score

6. The Rebuttal Section
• Length: 1 page
• Briefly summarize major criticisms
• Frame criticisms in a positive light
The reviewers felt that we were unqualified to do the
proposed work.
vs.
The reviewers felt that additional expertise in statistical
analysis would strengthen the project.

7. The Rebuttal Section
• Some of the same reviewers will likely read
the revised version
• Reviewers will comment on responsiveness
to previous critiques
• Make suggested changes, if reasonable
• If suggested change is unreasonable,
respectfully state why

8. The Rebuttal Section
• Be polite!
“The reviewer is just plain wrong.”
“We respectfully disagree.”
• Remember the viewpoint of the
reviewer
Grant not funded
Grant may be
funded

9. The Rebuttal Section
• Keep tone positive
• Try to convey commitment
and excitement
o Additional data
o New publications
• Have someone else read it

10. Final Thoughts
• Only one resubmission allowed
• Make sure it is the best possible
o Maximize prelim data/publications
o Have others read it