SSHRC’s merit review process
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) research grants and scholarships are awarded through an independent merit review process designed to ensure the highest standards of excellence and impartiality. Merit review is a transparent, in-depth and effective way to allocate public research funds.
SSHRC is committed to providing a range of merit review options appropriate to its individual funding opportunities. Reviewers volunteer to assist in SSHRC merit review processes. When selecting committee members to form a balanced committee, SSHRC considers:
- individual experience and expertise
- the diversity of perspectives—reviewers may be from Canada or abroad, and may come from postsecondary institutions or from organizations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors
- the balance of linguistic, regional, institutional and disciplinary, as well as diverse and inclusive, representation
SSHRC also ensures committees have the necessary linguistic capabilities (as self-reported) to review applications in the official language in which they were submitted.
On this page
Reviewer roles and manuals
For more information, see the SSHRC Manual for Merit Review Committee Members, particularly the following sections:
Committee members are required to complete the online tri-agency Excellence in Peer and Merit Review learning modules (or equivalents).
Merit reviewers are also guided by the following:
- Guidelines for the merit review of Indigenous research
- Guidelines for effective research training
- Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality policy (all members must sign the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement for Review Committee Members, External Reviewers, and Observers)
Merit reviewers are covered by the following:
- Tri-Agency Policy on Legal Assistance and Indemnification Provisions for Volunteers Serving on External Advisory Bodies
- Joint Policy on Peer/Merit Review Financial Recompense
Get involved!
SSHRC is continually seeking reviewers who represent the diversity in the social sciences and humanities research community. Participating in the review process provides the opportunity to develop or maintain cutting-edge understanding of the current trends and research landscape, while honing one’s insights into what constitutes a competitive proposal. Working with peers from across Canada and internationally, and from a range of disciplines, also provides the opportunity to forge new connections and community-building. The process is highly enriching and stimulating and can inspire your work in your own field or discipline.
Individual reviewers can participate in the SSHRC merit review processes in one or more of the following roles: external assessor, committee member or committee chair (full descriptions of these roles appear in the SSHRC Manual for Merit Review Committee Members, under Committee roles and functioning).
Would you like to be involved in the merit review process? All reviewers should have:
Experience and attributes
- a sense of fairness, open-mindedness, dedication to consensus-building, and commitment to social sciences and humanities research and the greater public good
- an openness to perspectives across fields of knowledge, to be able to assess proposals without bias as to schools of thought, research approaches or methodologies
- an understanding of the value of knowledge exchange and collaboration, and commitment to the mobilization of research knowledge
- experience in the development of talent, through teaching, supervision or other forms of mentoring
Research and related expertise
- expertise in an area of research in the social sciences and humanities from either a disciplinary, multi/interdisciplinary or cross-sectoral perspective, usually demonstrated by one or a combination of the following factors:
- having attained the degree (or equivalent) within the discipline or area of research that would qualify an individual to teach at a university
- having a research/teaching position at a postsecondary or research institution or a research-intensive position in a public, private or not-for-profit organization
- being recognized as a leader in the area of expertise
- a record of research excellence, usually demonstrated by one or a combination of the following factors:
- experience in carrying out or managing research
- experience in research-related activities (e.g., knowledge mobilization, research training and/or mentorship)
- demonstrated and/or promising scholarly contributions to the social sciences and humanities, including peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed contributions to publications of all types (open access, journals, monographs, commissioned reports, online forums such as blogs, and others), and creative outputs
- research impact and contribution to public policies, products or services based on social sciences and humanities research and evidence
External assessors should also have:
- a thorough comprehension of the official language used in the application, to be able to provide an expert written review
Committee members should also have:
- in most cases, the ability to read and aurally comprehend both of Canada’s official languages, as applications can be submitted in either (in some cases, SSHRC may invite experts who are not bilingual to sit on committees, provided that this does not interfere with the ability of the committee as a whole to fairly assess applications in both official languages)
- the proven capacity to work collaboratively
- if possible, experience participating in merit review processes, but this is an asset, not a requirement
Committee chairs should also have:
- the ability to lead discussions in both of Canada’s official languages
- the proven capacity to work collaboratively
- preferably, prior experience participating in merit review processes as a member of a committee
Want to become a reviewer? Contact SSHRC to volunteer.
- Email: meritreview@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca