29.05.2012  |  Anderes
Global Research Council Set Up to Encourage Best Practice
via UK-CDS
Fifty heads of international research councils released a statement of merit review principles and established a Global Research Council in order to encourage global research collaboration.

The Global Research Council has a long-term objective of fostering multilateral research collaboration across continents to benefit both developing and developed nations. It will be governed by a board with equal numbers from developing and developed countries.

"This global summit is the first step toward a more unified approach to the scientific process," said National Science Foundation Director Subra Suresh. "Science can rise above economic and cultural differences to help develop trust and clear the path for agreements in other areas. Global scientific collaboration expands the pool of knowledge that belongs to everyone and serves as a tool to improve health, security and opportunity throughout the world. Good science anywhere is good for science everywhere."

The following merit review principles were released at the global summit:

• Expert assessment Collectively, reviewers should have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to assess the proposal both at the level of the broad context of the research field(s) to which it contributes and with respect to the specific objectives and methodology. Reviewers should be selected according to clear criteria.


• Transparency: Decisions must be based on clearly described rules, procedures and evaluation criteria that are published a priori. Applicants should receive appropriate feedback on the evaluation of their proposal.


• Impartiality: Proposals must be assessed fairly and on their merit. Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed according to defined, published processes.


• Appropriateness: The review process should be consistent with the nature of the call, with the research area addressed, and in proportion to the investment and complexity of the work.


• Confidentiality: All proposals, including related data, intellectual property and other documents, must be treated in confidence by reviewers and organisations involved in the review process.


• Integrity and ethical consideration: Ethics and integrity are paramount to the review process.

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