If you have been asked to provide a review for an STFC proposal, the following guidance will help you determine whether you have a conflict of interest you would want to declare.
It is vital that reviewers are seen to be completely impartial. You should not, therefore, take part in the review of any proposal where you perceive there is a conflict of interest. We accept that it is likely that academics who work in the same field may know each other, and this doesn’t therefore bar you from commenting on a proposal. Most of our peer review forms contain a confidential section on conflicts of interest, where this information can be declared.
However, if your knowledge of or relationship with the applicant is such that you feel it would be difficult to be impartial when commenting on the proposal, then please decline the review selecting ‘conflict of interest’ as the reason. If you are unsure whether to decline on the grounds of conflict contact grantspoilcy@stfc.ac.uk for advice before doing so.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) conflicts policy and guidance
UKRI has a harmonised policy on declarations of interest and managing conflicts of interests, with specific guidance (including examples of conflicts) for those involved in the peer review process.