Information for rapporteurs
All ESRC evaluation is based on peer and merit review. For individual research projects, including projects within programmes, other researchers in the field, and relevant policymakers or practitioners, are asked to comment on the achievements of the research and the quality and impact of the results. These peer reviewers are known as rapporteurs.
Potential rapporteurs are selected from the Peer Review College when the End of Award Report on a project is received. In the interests of continuity, whenever possible, one of the project's original referees (peer reviewers) is invited to act as a rapporteur. In addition, the project award holder is invited to nominate two scientific rapporteurs and one non-academic rapporteur.
We invite potential rapporteurs to comment on the project; if possible, within one month. Rapporteuring is entirely voluntary.
A minimum of five rapporteurs will be invited to comment on projects costing over £100,000 and four for projects costing less.
Some 2,500 rapporteurs are invited to comment on ESRC research projects each year. They give their time generously in the interests of maintaining the highest quality research in the social sciences and the ESRC appreciates the contribution they make.