Join our Peer Review Committees!
Research Manitoba is able to support researchers and innovators thanks to the dedication of our volunteer peer review committees. Each year, we employ a competitive peer and merit review process to evaluate and select research funding proposals for Board approval. Committees are assembled specifically for each grant program, bringing together subject-matter experts with the appropriate background and knowledge to assess the applications under review. Membership changes annually to reflect the evolving research areas represented in applicant submissions.
“My experience as a reviewer for the Research Manitoba Studentships program has been invaluable. It gave me the opportunity to see the incredible emerging research talent in Manitoba and the innovations they’ll be working on. By contributing the adjudication of Studentship applications, I was able to support trainees, engage with colleagues across wide range of disciplines, and contribute to a rigorous and equitable review process that directly strengthens Manitoba’s research ecosystem.”
Committee members complete their reviews in advance and then participate in a live meeting where applications are discussed, assessed, and scored. Each committee is chaired by a respected researcher from a relevant field and may be supported by a Scientific Officer to help guide the process. This volunteer-driven model ensures that all competitions are fair, transparent, rigorous, and grounded in expert evaluation. Research Manitoba could not carry out its Grants and Awards programs without the generous contributions of these reviewers.
Participating as a peer reviewer offers a meaningful professional opportunity. Reviewers gain first-hand insight into grant decision-making, build connections across Manitoba’s research and innovation community, and contribute directly to advancing high-quality research in the province. Your expertise helps strengthen Manitoba’s research ecosystem and supports discoveries with real-world impact.
If you are interested in becoming a reviewer for one of our Review Committees, please contact helpdesk@researchmb.ca.
*Note: Our Strategic Partnerships and Research Connections Grants are assessed inhouse and do not have review committees. For information on joining our RITHIM review committees such as CHIPER and PHRPC, please visit the RITHIM site*
Participating as a peer reviewer offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to the research community through detailed, constructive feedback to applicants and engagement with peers who bring diverse perspectives. Reviewing high-quality ideas and proposals is an energizing experience.
Innovation Proof-of-Concept College of Reviewers
We invite experts and professionals working in innovation and commercialization to join our College of Reviewers for the Innovation Proof-of-Concept (IPoC) Grant program. This program supports Manitoba-based research teams in advancing promising ideas toward market readiness. Reviewers assess applications across three program streams: Manitoba-based Consortium, Manitoba Post-Secondary Researchers, and Manitoba Independent Industry, ensuring funded projects demonstrate strong potential for commercialization.
I have very much enjoyed serving on the College of Reviewers for the Innovation Proof-of-Concept program and have been most impressed and encouraged by the quality of the applied research that is undertaken through this Research Manitoba program.
The research that is proposed either engages industry directly or clearly has a commercialization objective embedded in the project plans, addressing that critical chasm between fundamental and applied research targeted at industrial application, an area where Canadian academia needs more dedicated focus.
IPoC Reviewer Qualifications
We welcome reviewers with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Direct experience commercializing research by moving discoveries from prototype to market.
- Advising or supporting commercialization processes, including validation, scale-up, and market entry.
- Subject matter knowledge in sectors such as bioscience, health and clinical research, ICT, emerging technologies and AI, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and transportation, agriculture, or the social sciences and humanities.
- Strategic insight into innovation ecosystems and pathways to real-world impact.
Reviewer Expectations and Time Commitment
IPoC has two intakes each year, in spring and in fall. For every intake, reviewers will be assigned up to four applications that align with their expertise. They will be given four to six weeks to complete their reviews.
At the start of the review process, reviewers are required to sign a confidentiality and conflict-of-interest form and complete the bias in peer review training.
We will provide reviewer with guides that have more detail about the review process, including assessment criteria and rating scales.
During the review, reviewers are expected to:
- Evaluate their assigned applications
- Provide an appropriate score
- Provide constructive written feedback for the applicant
- Maintain high level of integrity throughout the review process
By joining our IPOC College of Reviewers, you will help shape Manitoba’s innovation landscape while supporting projects with the potential to deliver economic, environmental, and societal benefits to the province.
The peer review process at Research Manitoba is conducted by volunteers, and reviewers do not receive financial compensation.
To express your interest, please email helpdesk@researchmb.cawith your professional credentials and a brief summary of your expertise. Include “College of Reviewers for IPOC – Expression of Interest” in the subject line.
Being part of the College of Reviewers underscored the importance of early-stage funding in helping research ideas take their first steps toward commercialization. These programs provide the space and support researchers need to test feasibility, explore market potential, and build confidence in their work. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to decisions that can help move promising research closer to real-world impact.
New Investigator Operating Grant Peer Reviewers
Our New Investigator Operating Grant program is designed to support Manitoba’s early-career researchers as they establish their research programs, build productivity, and develop the track record required to secure long-term, sustainable funding. By assessing proposals from emerging scholars, reviewers play a crucial role in strengthening Manitoba’s research talent pipeline and supporting the next generation of discovery and innovation.
Applications to this program are categorized into one of five disciplinary areas: Health – Basic Biomedical, Health – Social Population Health, Social Sciences and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Technology and Engineering.
Reviewers are assigned to a committee that reflects their expertise. Prior to the committee meeting, members evaluate and rate their assigned applications. During the live meeting, reviewers discuss, assess, and score proposals, and provide written comments to applicants. Each committee is chaired by an experienced researcher from the relevant field.
To express your interest, please email helpdesk@researchmb.ca with your CV and a brief summary of your expertise. Include “College of Reviewers for NIOG – Expression of Interest” in the subject line.
Serving as a scientific reviewer gave me a front-row seat to the incredible research happening across Manitoba! It’s a great opportunity to directly contribute to growing Manitoba as a national research hub.
Studentships and Fellowships Peer Reviewers
The Studentships and Fellowships competition is intended to help develop, attract and retain highly qualified personnel in the province and support the advancement of impactful research in Manitoba. These awards provide Masters, PhDs and Postdoctoral Fellows with a stipend as they conduct their research and support the development of their research skills and knowledge in their chosen field of study.
Applications to this program are categorized into one of five disciplinary areas: Health – Basic Biomedical, Health – Social Population Health, Social Sciences and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Technology and Engineering.
Reviewers are assigned to a committee that reflects their expertise. Prior to the committee meeting, members evaluate and rate their assigned applications. During the live meeting, reviewers discuss, assess, and score proposals, and provide written comments to applicants. Each committee is chaired by an experienced researcher from the relevant field.
To express your interest, please email helpdesk@researchmb.ca with your CV and a brief summary of your expertise. Please note that reviewers for this program must have a PhD. Please include “Reviewers for Studentships and Fellowships – Expression of Interest” in the subject line.