Identify the Experts
A key component of a successful peer review is recruiting and selecting qualified reviewers. The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) maintains access to established professional networks to ensure qualified reviewers match the needs of each sponsor.
ORISE identifies potential reviewers from more than 350 universities, relevant professional organizations, public lists, and the Internet. Through this structure and extensive contacts, ORISE provides a highly responsive system of recruiting reviewers to ensure sufficient and appropriate expertise is available during the peer review process.
ORISE recommends the best qualified experts through an extensive search and screening process that identifies reviewers with the appropriate areas of expertise for each review. ORISE also manages conflicts of interest throughout the review process.
ORISE implements a rigorous process to select qualified reviewers that may involve:
- Screening curricula vitae for academic qualifications and research expertise.
- Providing reviewer qualifications to a screening group which selects and assigns candidates to applications or projects.
- Forwarding recommended reviewers and assignments to sponsors.
- Providing answers to sponsor questions regarding reviewers and assignments.
A sample process to identify reviewers follows:
