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Peer reviewers are individual scientists and technical experts who possess relevant and extensive knowledge and experience in a field of science, and can use that expertise to critically evaluate specific scientific research project plans for scientific and technical quality. Peer reviewers may be ARS or non-ARS scientists who are independent of the research being planned or performed and qualified to serve as an expert reviewer for a particular field of science or technical specialty. Generally, to be considered an expert in a field of science, a peer reviewer must be accomplished in his/her field, and be nationally and/or internationally recognized as an authority in the field. Peer reviewers may be members of an academic institution, as well as Agency customers or stakeholders provided they meet the above criteria. Peer reviewers serve as members of organized panels or as ad hoc peer reviewers.
Peer reviewers lend their expertise and experience to ARS in assessing the scientific and technical quality of research project plan approaches, methods, procedures and use of material resources. Peer reviewers, unencumbered by internal or organizational viewpoints and associations to the research itself, are in a unique position to provide constructive feedback to ARS scientists. This feedback serves to improve the quality of ARS research by suggesting better alternatives and approaches or even stimulating creativity and new ideas about the science or methods employed. Peer reviewers serve as advisors to ARS. While their recommendations are not binding upon the Agency, their insights and suggestions will be carefully considered to ensure the quality and credibility of the Agency's overall scientific Program.
Peer reviewers are responsible for providing credible, objective and thorough reviews of ARS research project plans according to the objectives and quality criteria set forth by the ARS. Peer reviewers are also required to sign and honor confidentiality agreements to protect potentially sensitive information included in ARS research project plans. Peer reviewers are anonymous to the researchers responsible for each project plan and are expected to retain their anonymity as a peer reviewer in their discussions with anyone outside of the OSQR.
All individuals who serve as a panel peer reviewer for ARS are reimbursed for their travel and lodging expenses according to government travel regulations and procedures. External (non-ARS) panel reviewers are also paid an honorarium.
General Information
Panel Reviewers: You will be sent a confidentiality agreement, a Panelist Information Form and request for your curriculum vitae(CV) very early in the panel review process. We will need these items completed and returned by mail. Please send your CV electronically to osqr@ars.usda.gov. About 5 weeks prior to your panel meeting, you'll receive a Federal Express package containing:
1. No more than 25 project plans. About 6 of these plans will be identified as those you will need to provide an in-depth peer review: 3 as a primary reviewer and 3 as a secondary reviewer. You'll need to become familiar with all of the others.
2. A list of all of the projects your panel has been assigned to review and your individual assignments as primary and secondary reviewer.
3. Guidelines for peer reviewers.
4. Storage media containing panel peer review forms.
5. Logistics folder containing information specific to your panel.
About a week prior to when you are scheduled to arrive in Beltsville, Maryland we'll send you more specific information to prepare for the final reviews. Your first day will include an orientation about the panel's review process and a presentation from members of the National Program Team.
Ad Hoc Reviewers: You will be sent a confidentiality agreement and request for an electronic version of your curriculum vitae(CV) very early in the ad hoc review process. We'll need these items completed and returned by mail. Please send your CV electronically to osqr@ars.usda.gov. You'll be given 4 weeks to review 1-3 project plans and return your reviews electronically.
While no honorarium is given to ad hoc reviewers, you may consult with osqr@ars.usda.gov regarding inclusion of this experience on your CV.
Other Useful Information:
Sample Peer Review Form (This form contains the peer review criteria and action classes.)
Action Class Matrix
Research Homepage
Laws and Procedures Influencing ARS Peer Review of Research Projects
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