Program staff may select a small number of applications that score beyond the payline for funding consideration in each council round. The selection of these projects is based on, but not limited to: (1) scientific program priority, (2) high-risk high-impact projects, (3) career stage of the investigator, (4) diversity of the Institute's investigators, and (5) current level of investigator funding. The selection of applications proposed to Council for funding under the Expanded Opportunity Zone policy is based on evaluation of these factors and the availability of funds.
