Peer Review Resource Hub
Welcome to the Peer Review Resource Hub!
This is a space for reviewers and potential reviewers to gain a better understanding of grant proposal peer review as it relates to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The goal is to increase reviewers’ capabilities and therefore, provide more meaningful evaluations to DOE and others.
This site is a work in progress with new learning modules and resources for participants being added over time—so check back for what is new! We will provide a list of what’s new along with anticipated deadlines.
We also welcome your feedback and suggestions for topics, resources, and improvements.
Learning Modules
Module 1: Peer Review Basics for Grant Proposals
Each year, organizations and major foundations spend billions of dollars to fund research proposals that show the most potential for scientific impact. Identifying and selecting the best qualified peer reviewers ensures the most accurate assessment and successful award of the proposal. This module will provide a basic overview of the U.S. Department of Energy’s peer review process for grant proposals.
Module 2: Critically Analyzing Grant Submissions
Critically analyzing a U.S. Department of Energy grant proposal requires a structured approach to assess the significance, originality, approach, and feasibility of the project. This module will identify the major components of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), describe the core criteria needed for successful grant proposals, and provide examples of significance, originality, approach and feasibility in a grant proposal.
Additional resources
- Analyzing a Grant Proposal: Questions to Ask Yourself (.PDF, 250KB)
What's coming up?
Summer 2025:
- Module 3: Writing Clear and Concise Evaluations
- Fillable PDF checklist for: “What to include in writing a good evaluation”
- Video of the DOE review process
- Podcast interview with an experienced DOE reviewer
2026:
- AI and Peer Review
- Ethical Considerations in Peer Review
- Podcast Conversation: How did reviewing improve my own proposal writing?
Check back for updates!