CIHR Instructions for Community Reviewers

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The Community Reviewer is present to increase the transparency of the peer review process and to provide a mechanism for public accountability. He/she reviews the lay abstracts and does not score applications.

  • Prior to being given access to the lay abstracts for review, the Community Reviewer must complete the following tasks on ResearchNet:
    1. agree to abide by CIHR's Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy;
    2. declare conflicts of interest with applications.
  • Furthermore, he/she must ensure that all Peer Review Committee review materials used are handled safely and disposed of according to the document "Guide on Handling Documents used in Peer Review";
  • For further information please refer to CIHR policies and procedures posted on ResearchNet and on the internet. It is also important to be familiar with the objectives of the funding opportunity (see Find Funding).

Roles and Responsibilities of the Community Reviewer

  1. Reviewing Lay Abstracts
    • The purpose of the Community Reviewer's report is to provide critical assessment of the lay abstract and constructive feedback to the applicant based on the extent to which the proposed research's intent and importance is well explained and in a language clear to members of the general public.
    • You will be responsible for reviewing the lay abstracts, on ResearchNet, of all the applications assigned to your committee (unless you are in conflict).
    • At the meeting, you will select 5-10 lay abstracts to share with the committee (after the reviewers have rated the application) in order to highlight strong and weak lay abstracts.
    • The review should be clear and concise, typically one paragraph using objective and non-inflammatory language.
    • Do not identify yourself in the text of your review.
    • Submit your reviews on ResearchNet within 5 working days before the meeting.
  2. Observe the Peer Review Process
    • Keep notes on the functioning of the committee, specifically, the quality, quantity and variety of science reviewed by the committee, as well as the structure and objective nature of the discussions.
    • You may be invited to share your observations with the committee at the end of the meeting.
  3. Identify Applications of Public Interest
    • Identify 2-5 applications that would be of particular interest to the general public. These applications must have received a consensus rating of 3.5 or above at the committee meeting.
    • You may be invited to share your recommendations with the committee at the end of the meeting.
  4. Provide Feedback
    • Within 5 working days following the meeting, complete the online survey that includes questions on observation, applications of public interest and general feedback. Prior to the meeting, the Community Reviewers Program Officer will send you the link directly.

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