Peer Review

Always remember that all information gained through peer review processes – whether reviewing grant applications or publications – is confidential and should never be shared. The August 2018 letter sent by the director of the NIH, Francis Collins, specifically reminds the research community to adhere to the confidentiality of these processes.

Individuals serving on NIH, NSF, or other federal agency scientific peer review panels should note and comply with all requirements to maintain the confidentiality of the information in research grant applications.

Sponsor-specific peer review resources

National Institutes of Health

• General Guidelines
• Conflicts of Interest for Peer Review
• Maintaining Confidentiality
• Notice NOT-OD-22-044

National Science Foundation

• General Guidelines
• Conflicts of Interest for Peer Review
• Maintaining Confidentiality (PDF)

Department of Education

• Office of Postsecondary Education
• Standards, Assessments and Accountability

Department of Energy

• General Guidelines
• High Energy Physics