Random selection of research proposals back on the table

NWO is reconsidering random selection of research proposals, Hoger Onderwijs Persbureau reports (link in Dutch). Until recently, the Dutch national research organization didn’t seem particularly charmed by the concept, arguing that expert review is generally fair and that there isn’t strong support for it in the scientific community. But now that research agencies abroad are increasingly awarding funding randomly, NWO is prepared to engage with the community. The deliberations will be part of a bigger discussion about how to reduce work pressure for scientists. Having to draw up many research proposals, most of which will be rejected, contributes to this pressure.