As part of the research process, scientists are often invited (or apply) to positions where they have the opportunity to evaluate research proposals or monitor on-going research projects.
Unlike article review, these assignments are often paid and present themselves as an excellent opportunity to improve your scientific career.
As a reviewer, you always receive instructions and/or training, by the funding agencies, on the main objectives of the funding programmes and on the most important, specific items that should be addressed in a proposal. As a result, you have the opportunity to act as the funding agency, i.e. to be on the opposite side of the funding process.
In addition, acting as a reviewer you have the chance to get a good sense of the state of the art, to see what your peers are doing and, ultimately, find new, innovative ways to address your own research questions.
Most of the funding agencies (e.g. FCT,
ADI,
European Commission,
AAL) have calls for expression of interest in expert reviewers. Recently, the European Commission invited scientists to join its
Scientific Committees.
These committees provide the Commission with high quality and independent risk assessment and scientific advice in the areas of public health, consumer safety and environmental risks. You may apply for membership to one or more of the following committees:
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)
Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER)
The deadline for applications is 2 November 2015.
So if you have more than 10 years of professional experience and multi-disciplinary accomplishments be sure to apply!
