This podcast aims to help the extramural research community better understand the NIH’s Rigor and Transparency policy. Dr. Patricia Valdez, NIH’s Extramural Research Integrity Officer, describes how to address the key policy elements, including rigor of the prior research, rigorous experimental design, consideration of key biological variables, and authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, in an application, how they are considered during peer review, and annual progress reporting following award.