The overall objective of the Working Group is to improve practices in the assessment of research proposals, ultimately supporting higher quality and more impactful projects, in line with the principles and commitments of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, while respecting the autonomy of each member.

This will include work on:

1. Criteria for the selection of research projects and innovative approaches to review processes. The Working Group will exchange information and learn mutually on how quality is understood and operationalised by research funding and other organisations through their assessment criteria. It will share experiences and lessons learnt and will identify general trends and evolutions. It will also aim at discussing innovative approaches to the selection, including approaches beyond peer review, and the challenge of focusing on quality and impact, at scale.
2. Selection of and guidance to reviewers on responsible research assessment practices. The Working Group will support exchange of experiences and good practices as regards selection of and guidance to experts and associated materials and their effectiveness. It will address how appropriate reviewers can be selected and provided with adequate, high-quality training on the selection criteria and processes, how to use indicators appropriately, and how to apply high standards of ethics and integrity in their decision-making. It will also address how appropriately recognise and support the work of peer-reviewers.
3. Information requested from applicants. The Working Group will exchange practices on the information requested to applicants, how to balance quantitative and qualitative information, as well as how to recognise a diversity of outputs, tasks, practices, skills and competences. It will also explore aspects such as when information should be requested.