Bias in peer review of grants and fellowships can affect funding decisions and lead to inequitable outcomes. To reduce the impact of bias during peer review, the Health Research Alliance (HRA) has developed a Bias Mitigation in Peer Review Training for Reviewers as part of our Inclusive Grantmaking Initiative.
This training for reviewers is publicly available in two formats:
- An asychronous, self-directed online training that reviewers can take at any time
- A facilitator toolkit that staff at funding organizations may use to facilitate this training live for reviewers within their own peer review process
Training Contents
The HRA Bias Mitigation in Peer Review Training for Reviewers will define bias, discuss how bias can occur and present during peer review, and outline strategies that can mitigate the impact of bias on decision making. This training is online and totally asynchronous, and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. The training contains narrated slides and short videos with audio voiceovers and closed captions, examples of realistic scenarios, and supplemental documents for future reference. The content is organized into three modules:
- Basics of Bias: Definition of bias, including types of bias and different manifestations of bias
- Bias in Peer Review: How bias can impact the peer review process
- Strategies for Mitigating Bias: Literature-informed, actionable, practical strategies reviewers can use to mitigate bias during the peer review process
Intended Audience
This training is designed for reviewers that score and discuss scientific proposals as part of funding selection processes. The content is situated within the context of peer review of grants, and the strategies and examples presented within the training are most directly relevant for reviewers at organizations who include live review committee meetings as part of their review process, though those who have other peer review processes may still find the information valuable.
A separate training that is tailored for program staff at HRA member organizations is also available to HRA members. Learn more about the training for program staff (public-facing website page), or access the program staff training directly (an HRA website login is required to access the training; contact Jenna Hicks at jenna [at] healthra [dot] org to set up a user account).
Access the Asynchronous Training
To access the Bias Mitigation in Peer Review Training for Reviewers, click the button below. The training will open in a new browser window. The training is best viewed on a computer; it is not recommended to take the training on a mobile device. Please do not navigate away from the browser window once you begin the training; individual user data is not stored, so your progress will not be saved if the window is closed.
Access the Facilitator Toolkit
This toolkit equips staff at funding organizations to facilitate the Bias Mitigation Training in a live session for their reviewers. The toolkit consists of a slide deck containing visuals, case study videos, and a facilitator script; handouts; and a detailed facilitator guide with supplemental discussion activities. The materials within the toolkit cover the same content as the asynchronous version of the training. Use these materials as-sis, or customize to best fit your needs! Click the button below to access the Toolkit. After filling out a brief form to record your contact information, you’ll receive a link to download the files. Contact Jenna Hicks (jenna [at] healthra [dot] org) with questions about the Facilitator Toolkit.