Our funding review process
How the BSF makes funding decisions and our expert review process
How we make funding decisions and our expert review process
Our funding process is designed to identify and support high-quality dermatology research with the greatest potential to improve outcomes for people affected by skin disease and skin cancer. From application submission through to final decision-making, we operate a rigorous, fair, and transparent review process to ensure funding decisions are scientifically robust and aligned with the British Skin Foundation’s research aims and priorities.
If you have any questions regarding our peer review processes or funding decisions, please contact the BSF research Officer s.thorne@britishskinfoundation.org.uk or for finance queries admin@britishskinfoundation.org.uk.
Overview of our funding review process
Independent peer review forms the foundation of our funding decisions. Depending on the award scheme and type of application, this may include assessment by an expert Grants Advisory Committee (GAC) and external written review.
Final funding decisions are made through the relevant BSF GAC process and ratified where appropriate by the Trustees.
Expert peer review
Our Peer Review Process
Peer review plays a vital role in helping the British Skin Foundation (BSF) make informed and robust funding decisions.
Our funding schemes are managed through expert Grants Advisory Committees (GACs) and independent external peer review. All applications are awarded through open competition and undergo rigorous scientific assessment by qualified experts. Depending on the type, scale, and complexity of the award, applications are reviewed through GAC scoring and review , external written review and GAC committee discussion.
We operate a multi-stage peer review process to ensure:
- scientific excellence
- fairness and transparency
- appropriate use of charitable funds
- alignment with BSF’s research aims and priorities
Final funding decisions are made by the relevant BSF committee and ratified by Trustees where appropriate.
Our peer reviewers
We are supported by external, independent experts including:
- scientists
- clinicians
- healthcare professionals
- specialist researchers
who contribute to our review panels, external peer review, and Grants Advisory Committees.
We aim to engage reviewers with expertise most relevant to the subject area of each application to ensure robust and balanced scientific assessment.
The BSF is extremely grateful to all members of the research community who contribute their time and expertise to the peer review process.
Conflicts of interest and confidentiality
To maintain the integrity and impartiality of the review process, all reviewers, committee members, staff, and Trustees involved in grant assessment are required to declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
Conflicts may include:
- institutional affiliations
- collaborations
- personal relationships
- financial or business interests
- direct scientific competition
Individuals with relevant conflicts will not participate in the discussion or scoring of affected applications.
All application materials and discussions are treated as strictly confidential and peer review critiques and funding recommendations must reflect the independent scientific judgement of the reviewer.
How applications are assessed
Applications are assessed according to criteria including:
- scientific quality and rigour
- importance to patients with skin disease
- translational potential and likely impact
- expertise of the research team
- suitability of the research environment
- feasibility and justification of resources requested
- contribution to UK and ROI dermatology research and future research capacity
Where applicable, reviewers may also assess:
- ethical considerations
- patient benefit and involvement
- implementation of the principles of the 3Rs in animal research
Transparency
As part of our commitment to transparency and good governance, the BSF publishes information regarding:
- its peer review processes
- conflicts of interest management
- expert review panel (GAC) membership
We are grateful to all reviewers and committee members who support the BSF research funding process.