The DFG and Its Evaluators

A review essay on a book by Friedhelm Neidhardt, Selbststeuerung in der Forschungsforderung. Das Gutachterwesen der DFG ([Self-Regulation in Research Advancement: The Evaluation System of the DFG] Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag, 1988 [see listing in IRPS No. 55]). The DFG (German Research Assoc) is a private organization established in 1924 that distributes millions of tax dollars for scientific research. Many academicians have questioned the opacity of DFG criteria in funding a proposal. The reviewers of proposals are drawn from among established scientists & researchers with an above-average reputation, & demonstrate a high level of consensus. Neidhardt concludes that the DFG achieves a high degree of self-regulation of science & is generally impartial; however, the DFG falls short in supporting young scientists & research on such topics as environmental problems, chemical contamination of the workplace, & safety issues in recombinant DNA research. M. Maxfield