Evaluation

Evaluation

Peer Review Process

Science decides

The Wilhelm Sander Foundation attaches great importance to transparency, scientific excellence and independent decision-making. For this reason, all grant applications submitted undergo a multi-stage, structured peer review process in accordance with the highest scientific standards.

Peer Review Process

Science decides

The Wilhelm Sander Foundation attaches great importance to transparency, scientific excellence and independent decision-making. For this reason, all grant applications submitted undergo a multi-stage, structured peer review process in accordance with the highest scientific standards.

Peer Review

As an institution that promotes excellent (cancer) research, we bear a high level of responsibility towards applicants and donors.

Peer Review

As an institution that promotes excellent (cancer) research, we bear a high level of responsibility towards applicants and donors.

Funding decisions based on a systematic approach and high standards

The peer review process ensures objectivity and independence in the evaluation, the allocation of limited funds according to quality criteria, and the selection of projects with high scientific relevance and innovative potential. This is how our review process works:


01

Formal Review

Upon receipt of a complete application, a formal review is first conducted by the Team of the Funding Department.

02

Initial assessment by the Scientific Board

The application is then assigned to a member of the Scientific Board, who makes an initial technical assessment and appoints suitable reviewers.

03

External assessment in a peer review process

At least two external experts review the application anonymously and evaluate it according to the following criteria: scientific quality and originality, relevance to cancer research, feasibility of the project, and qualifications of the research team.

04

Assessment by the Scientific Board

Based on the external expert opinions, the Scientific Board formulates a recommendation for the Board of Directors.

05

Decision by the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will make the final funding decision based on the recommendations submitted.

Funding decisions based on a systematic approach and high standards

The peer review process ensures objectivity and independence in the evaluation, the allocation of limited funds according to quality criteria, and the selection of projects with high scientific relevance and innovative potential. This is how our review process works:


01

Formal Review

Upon receipt of a complete application, a formal review is first conducted by the Team of the Funding Department.

02

Assessment by the Scientific Board

The application is then assigned to a member of the Scientific Board, who makes an initial technical assessment and appoints suitable reviewers.

03

External assessment in a peer review process

At least two external experts review the application anonymously and evaluate it according to the following criteria: scientific quality and originality, relevance to cancer research, feasibility of the project, and qualifications of the research team.

04

Assessment by the Scientific Board

Based on the external expert opinions, the Scientific Board formulates a recommendation for the Board of Directors.

05

Decision by the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors will make the final funding decision based on the recommendations submitted.

Who conducts the review?

We work with a pool of recognised scientists from Germany and abroad who have relevant expertise and experience. All reviewers are committed to confidentiality, neutrality and disclosure of interest.

The Scientific Board is responsible for selecting reviewers based on their expertise in specific topics.

Duration of Processing:

The entire evaluation process usually takes four months. We kindly ask you to refrain from making any enquiries during this period, as it is not possible to provide any information on the status of the procedure.

Who conducts the review?

We work with a pool of recognised scientists from Germany and abroad who have relevant expertise and experience. All reviewers are committed to confidentiality, neutrality and disclosure of interest.

The Scientific Board is responsible for selecting reviewers based on their expertise in specific topics.

Duration of Processing:

The entire evaluation process usually takes four months. We kindly ask you to refrain from making any enquiries during this period, as it is not possible to provide any information on the status of the procedure.

‘The Wilhelm Sander Foundation has provided crucial support for my scientific work in the field of retinoblastoma and has had a lasting impact on my career in paediatric oncology.’

– Prof. Dr. med. Petra Ketteler, Senior Physician, Pediatric Clinic 3, University Hospital Essen

‘The Wilhelm Sander Foundation has provided crucial support for my scientific work in the field of retinoblastoma and has had a lasting impact on my career in paediatric oncology.’

– Prof. Dr. med. Petra Ketteler, Senior Physician, Pediatric Clinic 3, University Hospital Essen.

Trust Through Quality

The Wilhelm Sander Foundation awards millions in funding every year. A rigorous review process is our key tool for ensuring that these funds are allocated in a targeted manner to forward-looking cancer research projects  responsibly, transparently and effectively.

Trust Through Quality

The Wilhelm Sander Foundation awards millions in funding every year. A rigorous review process is our key tool for ensuring that these funds are allocated in a targeted manner to forward-looking cancer research projects  responsibly, transparently and effectively.

Office Munich

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Zweigstraße 10
80336 Munich

Telephone: +49 89 544 187-0
E-Mail: info@sanst.de

Office Neustadtan der Donau

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Herzog-Ludwig-Straße 17
93333 Neustadt an der Donau

Telephone: +49 9445 99199-0
E-Mail: neustadt@sanst.de

Office Leverkusen

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Mülheimer Straße 76 a
51375 Leverkusen-Schlebusch

Telephone: +49 214 855 18-0
E-Mail: hv-leverkusen@sanst.de

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© 2025: Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung

Büro München

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Zweigstraße 10
80336 München

Telefon: +49 89 544 187-0
E-Mail: info@sanst.de

Büro Neustadtan der Donau

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Herzog-Ludwig-Straße 17
93333 Neustadt

Telefon: +49 9445 99199-0
E-Mail: neustadt@sanst.de

Büro Leverkusen

Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung
Mülheimer Straße 76 a
51375 Leverkusen-Schlebusch

Telefon: +49 214 855 18-0
E-Mail: hv-leverkusen@sanst.de


© 2025: Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung

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