ORISE launches peer review resource hub

ORISE is leveraging its peer review expertise with the launch of its new Peer Review Resource Hub to build confidence and knowledge in early career scientists as they learn how to provide valuable reviews to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The effort began in the summer of 2024 when a survey was issued to ORISE postdoctoral participants to gauge interest in making such a resource available. The responses were overwhelmingly positive and provided valuable insights into the features that were most important to the participants. Among the categories with the most interest were “writing clear and concise evaluations” and “understanding the grant review criteria.” A similar survey was initiated with DOE customers to determine the topics that would contribute most to creating high quality reviews for the agency.

“We hope that the Peer Review Resource Hub serves as a valuable resource for those new to the grant proposal review process and/or DOE in general to learn and develop their skills in evaluation,” said Peer Review Associate Manager Tracey Vieser. “In addition to early career scientists, we believe others not familiar with DOE review process would benefit from the materials we are and will be providing.”

The resource hub is a work in progress with two learning modules already published. Those include Module 1: Peer Review Basics for Grant Proposals and Module 2: Critically Analyzing Grant Submissions. The hub will also feature podcasts with seasoned DOE reviewers providing their personal experiences and guidance. As the resource hub evolves, future content may also feature DOE program managers sharing insight on their specific roles in the peer review lifecycle, what they look for in a reviewer, and how they use evaluations to inform their decision making.