The evaluations of applications in the open call by the Swedish Research Council are nearly complete. Ann Hellström, Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology specialising in growth factors at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, is one of 14 scientists at the Sahlgrenska Academy who have spent a large part of the summer reading applications to the Research Council.
“It becomes something of a way of life,” says Ann Hellström, who has become accustomed to receiving two large boxes full of applications a few days before Midsummer every year.
“I make it a routine to spend some time with the applications every day during the summer. I usually try to read four applications thoroughly every day.”
To recognise a good application
Ann Hellström has reviewed applications for the Swedish Research Council as a member of its evaluation group for neurology, including the sensory organs, for seven years, and has chaired the group for the past few years. She has read more than 70 applications this year as part of the work in her own evaluation group, and has read an equal number from other grant-awarding bodies.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s really worth it. I’ve obtained an amazing insight into what goes on at other university hospitals and institutes, and I have the opportunity to follow trends within research and new methods,” she says, and adds that her work as a reviewer gives her own group an advantage when writing grant applications:
“Work as a reviewer teaches you how a good application should be written, and what the reviewers appreciate.”
In recent years, Ann Hellström’s research group has received grants from Vinnova, the Swedish Research Council and ALF, among others, and a further EUR 6 million in EU grants.
Treat Your Brain to a Spa Weekend
Ann Hellström regards the meeting of the evaluation group after the summer to discuss the applications as the best part of the review process.
“This is two days of scientific discussions in a very free atmosphere with a great deal of respect. It’s like treating your brain to a luxury spa weekend,” she says.
With a certain degree of sadness Ann Hellström remarks that this round of reviewing will probably be her last for the Research Council. It’s normal for reviewers to hold this position for six years, and she has already taken one extra year.
“I can really recommend taking on the role of reviewer for one of the evaluation groups at the Research Council. It’s a lot of work, but you get so much out of it,” she says.