As a peer reviewer, or board or panel member, you must ensure you maintain objectivity in your assessment of applications.
Part of your role is to be aware of potential biases and the impact these may have.
Reducing and challenging bias in peer review is important to:
- ensure the integrity of the process
- help advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in our scientific communities.
Guidance on tackling bias
We provide tips and strategies to help you reflect on different biases and guidance on how to mitigate them.
How MRC is addressing bias
MRC has also put in place steps to overcome bias throughout the whole peer review process. These include, but are not limited to:
- providing clear assessment, scoring criteria and processes
- monitoring diversity on our boards and panels and in our award rates
- introducing ‘active bystander champions’, and cultivating an active bystander culture where everyone is empowered to question bias within reviews and our boards and panels
Learn more about equality, diversity and inclusion at MRC.
Last updated: 16 February 2023