OpenProposal Platform for Transparent Research Funding Review

TL;DR

OpenProposal is a web-based platform that introduces transparency into research funding review processes by enabling public reviews, author rebuttals, and transparent decision-making, aiming to improve accountability and scientific integrity.

Contribution

This paper presents the design and implementation of OpenProposal, a platform adapting transparency principles from peer review to research funding proposal evaluation.

Findings

Demonstrates technical feasibility of transparent funding reviews

Provides mechanisms for community engagement and reviewer accountability

Lays groundwork for data-driven insights into funding peer review processes

Abstract

Research funding allocation remains a critical bottleneck in scientific advancement, yet the review process for funding proposals lacks the transparency that has revolutionized academic paper peer review. Traditional funding agencies operate with closed review systems, limiting accountability and preventing systematic improvements. We present OpenProposal, a proof-of-concept web-based platform that explores how transparency principles from OpenReview might be adapted to research funding proposal evaluation. Built using modern web technologies including Next.js , React , and Prisma , OpenProposal demonstrates the technical feasibility of public reviews, author rebuttals, and transparent decision-making while attempting to protect sensitive information such as budgets. Our platform prototype addresses key limitations identified in current funding systems by providing mechanisms for community engagement, reviewer accountability, and potential data-driven insights into peer review processes. Through system design and implementation, we explore how transparent funding review could potentially enhance scientific integrity and improve research funding decisions, though empirical validation remains necessary. This work contributes a technical foundation for transparent funding review and identifies design considerations for future research on peer review mechanisms in funding contexts.