Peer review: A pillar of the Alzheimer’s Association research grants program

Article Outline

 

Two of the most important factors in the success of the Alzheimer’s Association research grants program are the dedication of our science staff and advisors and the invaluable contribution made by approximately 4,000 scientists worldwide who voluntarily serve as peer reviewers.

Peer review typically takes place between January and May following the close of each year’s grant application period. From our volunteer reviewer pool, the Association assembles a customized panel of three scientists with expertise in the proposed area of research to evaluate each project. Proposals are evaluated via a state-of-the-art online system structured to protect the anonymity of reviewers and applicants. The online system also eliminates travel expenses, costs of long-distance telephone communications and frustrating time zone differences.

The peer-review process features both independent and collaborative elements. Reviewers independently assign scores and then communicate to propose a single baseline score and factors to consider for each application. Reviewers report that the collaboration often feels as if the world’s leading Alzheimer experts are conducting a discussion around a virtual conference table.

The peer review process produces a ranking and commentary for each proposal. Our Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, a group of internationally recognized experts with long and distinguished careers in Alzheimer’s and related disorders, conducts a second-level review of the peer commentary and scoring to ensure scientific rigor and fairness in the initial review of submitted applications. The Medical and Scientific Advisory Council then makes final funding recommendations to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Association announces grant awards in July.

A special thanks to peer reviewers

 

We are extremely grateful to the hundreds of scientists who participated in the thousands of reviews for the 2005 peer review cycle and to those who have served in the past. You provide an invaluable service to fellow scientists and the field. We look forward to honoring all of you at a special peer-reviewer reception at ICAD 2006, the 10th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, to be held in Madrid July 15 - 20.

How to become a peer reviewer

 

You can receive information about becoming a reviewer by sending an email message to Mary Epps Streeter at mary.epps-streeter@alz.org.