The Research Councils fund research on a competitive basis employing independent
expert peer review. This system is regarded as an international benchmark of excellence
in research funding, and this provides a guarantee of the quality of UK research.
In peer review, proposals for research funding are considered and assessed for
scientific quality by a number of senior academics or "peers", from the UK and overseas,
who work within relevant areas of research. This assessment or "review" provides
the basis of the funding decision.
The peer review processes employed are designed to be sensitive to the different
needs and cultures that exist within the academic community and also reflect the
variety of mechanisms employed to support different types of research e.g. basic
or strategic research, or the need to encourage adventurous or multidisciplinary
research.
Each Research Council publishes information about its peer review process and
these can be found using the links below:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Whilst maintaining a commitment to use a variety of approaches to peer review,
Councils are keen to simplify and standardise the processes involved in applying
for research funding. Councils regularly review their policies and procedures as
their research communities evolve and continually strive to provide more effective
administrative services.