Reforming peer review

An Australian funder is setting an example by scrutinising its application processes, say Daniela Rodriguez-Rincon and Susan Guthrie

Expert peer review is considered the gold standard for assessing the validity, significance and originality of research. When it comes to grant applications, however, peer review is not without its shortcomings.

In a recent assessment of the grant application process, RAND Europe identified several flaws in the use of peer review for determining funding, including bias, burden and conservatism.