Changes to Funding Applications and Peer Review – April 2009

We’re planning to make a number of changes to funding applications and our peer review process which will be implemented in April 2009. The changes build on the 2006 Research Councils UK review of the effectiveness of peer review and extensive consultation with the academic community.

• Revamp of reviewer forms
  Simplified reviewer forms in response to feedback through our recent peer review survey
  
  
• Including economic impact in funding applications
  New sections in the application form and an impact plan of up to two pages
  
  
• Reducing the pressure on peer review
  Uninvited resubmissions and repeatedly unsuccessful applicants
  
  
• Changes to research base prioritisation panels
  New structure for peer review panels to align with EPSRC programmes