The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) aims to be an excellent funding body that funds excellent research. It therefore sets itself very high standards in terms of the quality, independence and fairness of its evaluation procedures. The evaluators, who are responsible for assessing the research proposals and are the cornerstone of the evaluation process, contribute significantly to this.

Providing training ensures that all panel members have a shared understanding of the SNSF's core evaluation principles and standards. This helps to ensure fair and consistent evaluations of research proposals, which is essential for directing funding to the most excellent and impactful projects. The e-learning platform is one of several measures to convey our evaluation standards efficiently and continuously to all evaluators.

Implementing online modules for panel members at the SNFS. Currently we have implemented two modules:

Bias in research funding

The module aims at increasing the awareness for biases in order to reducing them. We are all biased but often not aware of our biases. These implicit biases stem from unconscious cognitive processes that we use to simplify the vast amount of information we encounter.

Chairing of Evaluation panels

The module is a tutorial for panel chairs: The role of a panel chair is crucial in ensuring that the scientific evaluation of research proposals is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the highest standards. As leaders of the evaluation process, chairs have the responsibility to guide discussions, foster impartiality, and ensure that all panel members’ voices are heard while upholding the integrity of the process.

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

Sissel Guttormsen, Philippe Zimmermann, Priska Steiger with team IML