Just make it nice and neat, say panels
The applications submitted to the Academy of Finland in the October 2010 call were overall of a good standard, but there were also some room for improvement. This was the conclusion of the international panels that processed and reviewed the applications. In particular, the reviewers called for a clearer structure and more clarity in the applications.
The Academy has now gathered feedback from the foreign panellists who participated in the review of the October 2010 applications. “In previous calls, we’ve received some feedback from reviewers pointing to methodological shortcomings in the applications. This time, however, the comments didn’t reflect this,” says Science Adviser Risto Vilkko. “All in all, the reviewers felt that the best applications were very high-quality, even in international comparison.”
The reviewers did identify weak points, as well. A number of applications lacked justifications as to why the concerned research project is topical for the discipline in question and how it promotes the progress of the field in general. “Many research plans didn’t sufficiently explain the state and direction of current research in the area. The reviewers also commented on applicants not being thorough in describing their risk management and alternatives approaches,” explains Science Adviser Vilkko.
The reviewers also wanted more clarity and organisation in the structure of applications. The panels suggested that the Academy could improve on its guidelines for applicants and offer either training or peer consultation in application drafting. “We’ve posted a great deal of information for applicants on the Academy website, not the least of which are the evaluation criteria used in assessing applications. Reading through these will certainly answer many of the questions that may come up when you’re drafting your application,” Vilkko points out.
For Finnish researchers in general, the reviewers would want to encourage more international mobility and networking with peers in other parts of the world.
All applications reviewed
The Academy of Finland reviews all applications without any screening procedure. In practice, this means that the Academy uses several evaluation panels in the review of applications. For example, the applications submitted in the October 2010 call were reviewed by a total of 56 panels.
According to Science Adviser Risto Vilkko, reviewer feedback is a valuable resource for applicants. “Using panels also benefits the entire application and review process. We clearly get added value out of the panel discussions and the consensus statements.”
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