ESRC Introducer Assessment Guidance
Proposals which have reached the panel assessment stage are assessed using the panel Introducer scale, from 1-10. Proposals to fast-track schemes, which generally go to two Introducers (previously ‘assessors’) only prior to a final panel funding recommendation, are also assessed using this scale.
The following table summarises the meaning of the 1-10 scores based on scientific quality, and the mapping of old grades to current scores. However, all assessment criteria in the specific scheme/call guidance should be carefully considered before you arrive at an overall score. Please use the online Je-S form to note any comments you might have about any aspect of the proposal, even though there are no specific sub-sections on the form.
Introducer scores |
Equivalent previous Assessor grades |
Score description based on scientific quality. All assessment criteria should be considered before arriving at an overall score. |
10 |
A1 (H) |
Exceptional proposals which are of outstanding scientific merit, i.e., of such innovation, novelty or timeliness that they are highly likely to make an exceptional scientific contribution and/or greatly enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
9 |
A1 (L) |
Outstanding proposals which are of excellent scientific merit, i.e., of such innovation, novelty or timeliness that they are likely to make an outstanding scientific contribution and/or greatly enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
8 |
A2 (H) |
Excellent proposals which are of significant value, and are highly likely to make a very important scientific contribution and/or will significantly enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
7 |
A2 (L) |
Very good proposals which are of significant value, and are likely to make a very important scientific contribution and/or will significantly enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
6 |
A3 (H) |
Good proposals which are of considerable value, and have the potential to make an important scientific contribution and/or will seriously promote the development of the applicant's academic career. |
5 |
A3 (L) |
Good proposals which are of considerable value, and have the potential to make a valuable scientific contribution and/or will promote the development of the applicant's academic career. |
4 |
A4 |
Proposals which are of value in their scientific contribution and/or may augment the development of the applicant's academic career. |
3 |
A5 |
Proposals which offer some value in the potential scientific contribution of the proposal, but which may not be of a consistently high quality and/or are unlikely to enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
2 |
Beta |
Proposals which will add to understanding and are worthy of support, but which are of lesser quality or urgency than more highly rated proposals and would not greatly enhance the development of the applicant's academic career. |
1 |
Reject |
Proposals which are flawed in their scientific approach, or are repetitious of other work, or otherwise judged not to be worth pursuing, or which, though possibly having sound objectives, appear seriously defective at a technical level. |
How to complete an Introducer assessment on Je-S
If you are required to complete an assessment as an Introducer through Je-S you will receive an email notification that you have assessments pending, via your Je-S account.
When selecting the relevant assessment document you will be able to access to section;
Introducer Details (Information only screen)
This will contain the details of the introducer and meeting, specifically the meeting date and assessment due date.
Standard (Assessment screen)
This section will contain all assessments that require scoring.
Please access each assessment by selecting the Edit link
Please input appropriate score, as outlined above.
Please add appropriate comments and feedback to office on reviewer selection.
Each assessment must be saved (the save function is within the top tool bar). Once all assessments have been completed and saved, you will be able to submit the Introducer document by selecting the 'submit document' button which will appear in the top tool bar. The 'submit document' button will not be available to select until all assessments have been entered and saved successfully. This action will return the document back to ESRC via Je-S.
If you are assessing the proposal as an independent reviewer, not a Panel Member, please remember to comment on all aspects of the proposal on the Je-S form according to the relevant assessment criteria, as described below.
If you are a Panel Member assessing a proposal that has already been out to peer review, please note that your entire text will be forwarded, unattributed but unedited to the applicants as feedback. There is no section on the Je-S Introducer form for confidential comments to the Office. If you have any comments or concerns on specific proposals please contact ESRC at grants@je-s.ukri.org