Summary
This report presents the results from observations of a selection of review panel meetings during Forte’s 2024 call for project grants in the areas of health, working life, and welfare. The study was conducted by the Swedish Gender Equality Agency on behalf of Forte and aims to shed light on whether any inequalities related to gender or other relations of power occur in the assessment process. Through participant observations and analysis of the allocation outcomes, both strengths and areas for improvement have been identified in the review process.
The observations show that the work of the review panels is largely characterised by professionalism, objectivity, and a commitment to making fair and well‑grounded decisions. Forte’s efforts on gender equality have made an impact: the instructions and informational materials provided to reviewers are well-anchored and have positively influenced the review process. Forte’s staff, together with the chairs of the review panels, play a central role in creating structure, counteracting bias, and promoting inclusion.
At the same time, certain gender patterns and hierarchies continue to be reproduced in the review process, which may affect both the process and its outcomes. This is reflected in the interactions during the meetings, in whose interpretations are prioritised, and in how different themes, research areas, and methods are valued. Some assessments indicate that gendered notions of what constitutes innovative and excellent research – and who produces it – influence the evaluations.
The observations also show that applications presented by men are more often recommended for funding, which may reflect an unconscious valuation of certain subject areas, competences, or styles of argumentation that are more commonly represented by male reviewers. In several groups, societal representatives hold a subordinate role, which may reflect a hierarchy where experience‑based knowledge and societal perspectives are given lower status than traditional academic merits.
The report concludes with concrete recommendations to further strengthen gender equality in Forte’s review process and promote decision‑making free from unconscious bias. These recommendations include clarifying mandates, roles, and responsibilities in the review process; clarifying how gender perspectives should be understood and applied in the assessments; strengthening the role and influence of societal representatives; ensuring stronger support during critical phases of the review; and following up on gender patterns in funding decisions and assessments over time.
Author of the report: Boel Kristiansson, Swedish Gender Equality Agency
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