We are calling on experts across the scientific and engineering communities to help guide SERDP’s investments in cutting-edge research. By lending your subject matter expertise, you contribute to a rigorous evaluation process that informs which technologies will move forward—and ultimately, which innovations will serve our nation’s installations, warfighters, and communities.

Interested individuals are invited to submit their CV or resume for consideration. Candidate information is kept on file and matched to proposals as needed. Proposals may require peer review at any time of the year. While proposals are submitted throughout the year, most arrive in response to SERDP’s annual Core solicitation released in late October, with reviews typically occurring in March/April. The following sections outline what to expect as a SERDP peer reviewer and how to express interest in joining this important effort.

The following sections outline what to expect as a SERDP peer reviewer and how to express interest in joining this important effort. To be considered as a peer reviewer, please email your CV or resume to peerreview@noblis.org.

What SERDP Peer Review Entails 

Proposal reviews are conducted completely online with no travel or participation in meetings required. Proposals consist of about 15 pages of technical material. Peer reviewers are asked to score two evaluation criteria (Technical Merit and Personnel) and provide a half-page critique on each. Reviewers are typically provided four weeks to complete their review and receive no more than eight proposals to evaluate. A modest honorarium is provided to non-federal employees who conduct these reviews. Peer review evaluations are provided anonymously to all submitters to help improve the quality of the specific proposal as well as future research.  

Benefits of Serving as a Peer Reviewer 

Peer review is not only a way to give back—it’s an opportunity to stay engaged with the frontiers of your field. Reviewers gain early visibility into emerging research and develop a deeper understanding of the DoD’s technical needs and research priorities. By participating, you’ll sharpen your own proposal development skills and learn what distinguishes strong submissions. Many reviewers have gone on to submit successful proposals to SERDP after engaging in the review process.

Above all, serving as a peer reviewer is a chance to apply your knowledge in service of a greater mission—ensuring that the next generation of defense-related installation research and technology is guided by the highest scientific standards.

How to be Considered as a Potential Peer Reviewer 

If you have expertise in any of the SERDP Focus Areas and would like to be considered as a peer reviewer, please email your CV or resume to peerreview@noblis.org. In the email, please include a brief summary of your expertise. SERDP prefers peer reviewers to have conducted work in the relevant area within the last 5 years and have a Ph.D. Your information will be kept on file for upcoming reviews. If your expertise matches a proposal, or group of proposals, we will reach out with an invitation to participate.