Fund the best science, by the best scientists

Enhancing peer review is the main purpose of a new NIH website

there had been a pervasive sense that peer review service has become more of a chore than a stimulating and privileged experience. […] As we contemplated possible changes, we were guided by two fundamental principles. First, while improving the system, do no harm. That is, ensure that any changes to the peer review system bring significant value and reflect a favorable balance between costs and benefits. Second, continue to maximize the freedom of scientists to explore. The Implementation Plan Report http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov consists of four main priorities.
* Priority 1—Engage the Best Reviewers: Increase flexibility of service, formally acknowledge reviewer efforts, alleviate pressures related to time and effort, and enhance and standardize training
* Priority 2—Improve Quality and Transparency of Reviews: Through appropriate means, shorten and redesign applications to highlight impact and to allow alignment of the application, review, and summary statement with five explicit review criteria, and modify the rating system.
* Priority 3—Provide for Balanced and Fair Reviews Across Scientific Fields and Career Stages: Supporting early stage investigators and investigators new to NIH at targeted levels and emphasize retrospective accomplishments of experienced investigators. To encourage and expand the transformative research pathway, NIH intends to create a new investigator-initiated Transformative R01 Award program funded within the NIH Roadmap with a planned commitment of $250 M over five years.
* Priority 4—Develop a Permanent Process for Continuous Review of Peer Review.

It reads very nice, yea, yea. In case you need some more practical help, I suggest the “How to succeed in science: a concise guide for young biomedical scientists” series

Making discoveries is the most important part of being a scientist, and also the most fun. Young scientists need to develop the experimental and mental skill sets that enable them to make discoveries, including how to recognize and exploit serendipity when it strikes. Here, I provide practical advice to young scientists on choosing a research topic, designing, performing and interpreting experiments and, last but not least, on maintaining your sanity in the process.

Maintaining your sanity??