The peer review process is an opportunity for researchers to obtain constructive feedback on ways to improve the scientific quality of their projects from their peers. The review criteria and project plan design policies assure that ARS research scientists develop carefully conceived project plans that focus on three key elements of research planning: (1) adequacy of approach and procedures, (2) probability of successfully accomplishing the project's objectives, and (3) merit and significance as it aligns with the National Program Action Plan.

 

ARS sees peer review as an integral part of the Agency's overall scientific program. ARS will assure that project plans are refined and revised as appropriate in response to the peer review panel's recommendations. Sound and credible scientific peer review serves to improve the quality of research ideas, approaches, and techniques. It promotes the use of new ideas, creative thinking, and alternative approaches that may not have been considered by Agency scientists and staff. 

Peer review panels are comprised of scientific peers with expert knowledge in the fields of science pertinent to the research being reviewed. Peer review panels are convened to provide in-depth critiques of each project plan. Each panel reviews about, on average, 2 - 4 plans. To conform to this general panel workload, more review panels are formed for the larger National Programs. The OSQR facilitates the process of panel member selection in collaboration with external Panel Chairpersons. Panelists are selected based on their expertise and professional qualifications in a field of science pertinent to the research project plans being reviewed.