University Peer Review Policy Framework

The University has a Peer Review Policy Framework (Appendix 5) which outlines the conditions and processes in place across the institution for peer review of research grant applications to external funding bodies. The key conditions which determine peer review within the University are as follows:

  • The value of a research grant, fellowship, studentship or equipment application
  • The experience of an applicant. The University requires all first time applicants to have their applications peer reviewed. Thereafter, variations in College requirements apply.

Within the Peer Review Policy Framework, the variations in peer review processes of each College are outlined in detail. However, the key elements of the College procedures are summarised below:

Grant Categories

Peer review requirements for grant applications vary by College according to broadly defined categories. These are; application values, the back ground/status of the Principal Investigator (in terms of experience), and to which funding bodies applications are to be submitted.

Peer Review Processes

Each of the Colleges have processes which require peer review of grant applications at various stages prior to their final submission. These processes are set against pre-determined timelines, and each application will require internal College “sign-off” (normally by the relevant Head of School or Institute Director of Research) prior to submission to R & I and RFS.  The Colleges also work closely with Research and Innovation (R&I) and Research Financial Services (RFS) in undertaking the College peer review processes.

Training and Guidance

Each College is required to develop best practice guidelines for applicants and reviewers, and to implement these through training made available to all colleagues.

The Peer Review Policy Framework is monitored and reviewed by the University’s Committee for Research, Income Generation and Commercialisation on an annual basis.