Valuing unfunded applications

WarningObjectives and potential outcome

Valuing unfunded applications can help: - Acknowledge learning from review feedback
- Recognise preparatory work as a valuable research output
- Support fairer, more transparent assessment ecosystems by reducing wasted effort and encouraging proposal re-use and improvement

Research domains

Context and considerations

Certain elements may be precursors to valuing unfunded application, for example open funding applications which are shared regardless of funding results.

Applications processes or CV sections can also directly ask applicants about unfunded applications and the knowledge, connections, and skills that resulted from submitting these applications.

Challenges and mitigations

Evaluating success

Related CoARA commitments

CoARA Commitment 1 - Recognise the diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research in accordance with the needs and nature of the research
CoARA Commitment 2 - Base research assessment primarily on qualitative evaluation for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators
CoARA Commitment 3 - Abandon inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication-based metrics, in particular inappropriate uses of Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and h-index
CoARA Commitment 6 - Review and develop research assessment criteria, tools and processes

Relevant resources and literature

Unfunded List (https://www.unfundedlist.com/) is a platform that provides independent review of unfunded grant proposals to help authors of these proposals by providing feedback.

Wellcome open proposals project brings visibility and openness towards applications regardless of the funding decision.

Templates from funders and institutions

Case examples and literature

Stefan, M. (2010). A CV of failures. Nature 468(467). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7322-467a

Other resources

Case Studies or Implementation Examples