A new experimental peer-review system called distributed peer review significantly reduces the time for reviewing grant applications. Researchers applying for funding are required to review other applications, which eliminates the traditional lengthy process of securing external peer reviewers. Conducted by the UK Metascience Unit, the trial showed that this method improves efficiency in handling the increasing volume of applications. The increase in applications at UK Research and Innovation prompted the need for a more streamlined process, as application numbers rose significantly alongside budget cuts.
The distributed peer review system requires researchers who apply for funding to review other applications, avoiding the lengthy process of finding external peer reviewers.
The trial results indicate that the new system more than halves the review time for grant applications, significantly increasing efficiency for funding organizations.
Tom Stafford notes that the gains from the new system are substantial, particularly in terms of efficiency and facilitating quicker funding delivery to researchers.
UK Research and Innovation has seen a dramatic increase in grant applications, from 19,800 in 2021-22 to nearly 27,200 in 2023-24, despite facing budget cuts and operational challenges.
Collection
[
|
...
]