Peer review is a fundamental quality assurance process in which researchers share draft proposals with knowledgeable colleagues or expert panels before submission. This pre-submission review provides independent, constructive feedback to identify weaknesses in scientific rationale, methodology, feasibility, or clarity that authors may overlook.

By exposing drafts to critical scrutiny from peers with relevant expertise, researchers can strengthen their arguments, refine research questions, and better align applications with funders’ expectations. This process is particularly valuable for early- and mid-career researchers developing skills to craft competitive proposals.

Researchers should submit their proposals to the Hub 2–3 months before the submission deadline. The Hub then identifies and assigns an expert in the relevant field who sits on different boards to review the application. All costs associated with this review process are covered by the Hub. Through this structured approach, DRSH ensures a rigorous, collaborative review mechanism that strengthens the quality and competitiveness of proposals.