Peer Review

Peer Review of the USGS Biological Resources Discipline

The USGS Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) underwent a comprehensive and independent review of all USGS biological research, monitoring, and information management activities as recommended by the Office of Management and Budget’s Program Assessment Rating Tool evaluations.  The criteria for this programmatic evaluation included the following: (1) sufficiently rigorous to provide information on whether or not BRD is effective and achieving results, (2) sufficiently comprehensive to provide information on the effectiveness and results of the entire program rather than just certain aspects of BRD, and (3) conducted by an independent, non-biased party.  The independent panel, made up of multidisciplinary scientists, conducted a series of meetings, interviews, and surveys of customers and partners in 2009.  The programmatic evaluation report produced by the Independent Review Panel documents and summarizes the findings of the programmatic review, and provides eight key findings and recommendations. Download the report (212 KB, .pdf)

Peer Review of BRD Programs

In 2009, new guidelines were developed for peer review of the Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) National Programs.  The peer review process offers high-level input into the formation of Program goals and objectives during the 5-year planning process and the long-term direction for BRD science in terms of both meeting natural resource management needs and maintaining scientific excellence.  An external, independent panel conducts the Program Reviews.  National Program Reviews perform the following functions:

• Facilitate independent review of BRD science and related activities.
• Validate the significance and relevance of Program activities.
• Assess in-progress and completed Program activities and accomplishments and/or assess new Program goals/strategies in advance of major funding commitments.
• Enhance communication and collaboration across the discipline and with Program stakeholders.
• Provide opportunities for budget and Program development.
• Assess the integrated nature and quality of the research.
• Complement other review processes that occur at the National, Regional and Center levels.

The first BRD program to be reviewed under the new guidelines was the Wildlife: Terrestrial and Endangered Resources (WTER) Program (“Wildlife Program”).  The peer review of the Wildlife Program was conducted in October 2009.  The independent Panel summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Wildlife Program Review and identifies five areas that could be improved to better meet the goals of BRD.  Download the report.

Peer Review of Individual Manuscripts

The scientific reputation of the USGS for excellence, integrity, and objectivity is one of the Bureau's most important assets. This reputation for reliable science brings authority to data and findings, creates and protects long-term credibility, and ensures that the public trust is met.  Such unbiased, objective scientific information helps other entities base their judgments and assists with their decision-making.  Since the Bureau's inception in 1879, the USGS has maintained comprehensive internal and external procedures for ensuring the quality, utility, and integrity of data, analyses, and scientific conclusions to protect the reputation of USGS science for excellence and objectivity.  USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) govern how scientific investigations, research, and activities are planned and conducted and how information products – including manuscripts and abstracts – are developed, reviewed, and approved for release and dissemination.  The implementation of FSP is intended to ensure and enhance the quality, objectivity, and excellence of USGS science information products, and includes both technical and policy review elements.  Independent peer review is the foundation of technical review, and policy review is intended to ensure consistency with Bureau policy and to enhance communication of science products.  More information on the USGS FSP is available from: http://www.usgs.gov/fsp/.

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