Why are we so proud that we use Peer Review?

A new report by the Association of Medical Research charities has highlighted the strength of using independent experts to peer review applications for funding. 

Fight for Sight took part in a robust audit earlier this year where our grant-giving was scrutinised. We constantly look at how we give our funds with every penny raised by supporters. It is really important to us to ensure that we get maximum impact for people with sight loss from what we fund.

When researchers apply to us for funds we share applications in confidence with experts across the globe who can advise us on the merits and potential of the science making sure we invest the money our supporters raise intelligently. This process ensures both quality and fairness in decision making.

Director of External Affairs, Carol Bewick said: “We know how important what we fund is to eye research – particularly in providing discoveries which can lead to new treatments. Our research team work incredibly hard to ensure that our peer review process is robust and meets the same level of excellence we expect from our researchers. We were delighte to get the AMRC seal of approval for our work.”

Commenting on the audit, Lord Turnberg, Scientific Advisor of AMRC and chair of the 2015 audit committee said: “The peer review audit is an incredibly important exercise that allows all AMRC members to demonstrate their high quality processes in making research funding decisions. It allows our members to show their ‘badge of quality’ which makes them stand out from the crowd.”

Aisling Burnand MBE, Chief Executive of AMRC said: “AMRC members work tirelessly to ensure the money so generously raised by the public is put to the best possible use. Maintaining high standards of research funding is vital – this underpins the AMRC quality hallmark. Our audit allows us to ensure that funding standards are being upheld.”