Valuing unfunded applications

Valuing unfunded applications acknowledges the intellectual merit and innovative potential of research proposals regardless of funding outcome.
Level 0
Contributor

Experiments in Assessment WG

Last updated

March 10, 2026

WarningObjectives and potential outcome

Valuing unfunded applications acknowledges learning from review feedback, recognizes preparatory work as a valuable research output, and supports fairer, more transparent assessment ecosystems by reducing wasted effort and encouraging proposal re-use and improvement.

Research domains

Context and considerations

Certain elements may be precursors to valuing unfinded application, for example open funding applications which are shared regardless of funding results.

Applications processes or CV sections can also directly ask applicants about unfunded applications and the knowledge, connections, and skills that resulted from submitting these applications.

Challenges and mitigations

Evaluating success

Relevant resources and literature

https://www.unfundedlist.com/

Wellcome open proposals project brings visibility and openness towards applications regardless of the funding decision. https://wellcome.org/research-funding/open-research-fund-project-proposals-submitted-wellcome?

Templates from funders and institutions

Case examples and literature

Other resources

Comments/lived examples