Page Updated: 07-Jun-2011

The Independent Scientific Evaluation Group (ISEG)

Contents General Functions Pool of Experts Meetings Other Tasks/Considerations Oversight by the Political and Partnerships Committee (PPC)

General

The four Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Advisory Panels organised by scientific disciplines (Environmental Security (ESP), Chemistry / Biology / Physics (CBP), Information and Communications Security (ICS) and Human and Societal Dynamics (HSD)) have been disbanded and a new multi-disciplinary “Independent Scientific Evaluation Group” (ISEG) has been set up.

The ISEG is the NATO body which reviews applications submitted for funding under the SPS and NATO-Russia Council Committee on Science for Peace and Security (NRC(SPS)) Programmes. Members of the ISEG ascertain whether applications for grants are scientifically and technically sound, and relevant to the SPS Key Priorities or to the NRC(SPS) Action Plan.  They work within the guidelines and specific directions provided by the Political and Partnerships Committee (PPC).  They also assist the SPS Staff of the Emerging Security Challenges (ESC) Division in other undertakings requiring their expertise.

Functions

The role of the Independent Scientific Evaluation Group is to:

• Provide advice to the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) of the ESC Division on the evaluation matrix prepared by the ESC/SPS Working Group (for bottom-up applications);
• Evaluate (peer-review) and rank bottom-up applications in SPS Key Priorities as set out by the PPC;
• Review bottom-up and top-down multi-year SfP project plans presented by lead applicants;
• Review Nationally-Funded Activities;
• Have an horizon-scanning role at multi-disciplinary level;
• Prepare and present reports for the PPC on the progress of SPS activities; and
• Initiate applications for new top-down activities that respond to identified SPS Key Priorities.

Pool of Experts

Should some applications require scientific evaluation which does not match the competency profile of the ISEG, a Pool of Experts can be used on a case-by-case basis for the evaluation process. This pool of experts is composed of former members of SPS Panels, former members of the SPS Committee, members of Expert Groups, NATO consultants and new experts. Experts under the Pool of Experts also serve as unpaid consultants to NATO for a period of three years. NATO will provide funding for their travel, accommodation and daily allowance to participate in meetings.

Meetings

The ISEG meets as necessary (usually twice a year) at the invitation of the ASG/ESC.  Meetings are normally held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. On an exceptional basis, an ISEG meeting could take place outside Brussels.

One or two members from the Research and Technology Organisation (RTO), as well as members of the ESC/SPS Working Group (i.e. experts who are members Sections of the ESC Division), are also invited to attend the ISEG meetings.

Other Tasks/Considerations

At least once a year, the ISEG Chair will present an activity report to the PPC in order to inform it of the SPS developments from a scientific perspective.

Members of the ISEG may be requested to monitor, evaluate and follow up on SPS activities (both bottom-up and top-down) to evaluate the effectiveness of these activities and report to the ESC/SPS Working Group.

To avoid any conflict of interest, sitting ISEG members may not submit applications for grants from the SPS Programme nor may they be the recipients of such grants.  To avoid potential pressure from applicants, membership on the ISEG is treated as administratively confidential.

Oversight by the Political and Partnerships Committee (PPC)

The PPC Committee is kept informed regularly on the work of the ISEG.  This is accomplished by means of a report presented by the ISEG Chair or by an ESC/SPS Staff member.

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