Proposal Review Process
All proposals are reviewed and rated for feasibility, safety, and the potential for high-impact science. If a proposal is submitted during a periodic proposal call, the principal investigator (PI) for each submitted proposal can expect to receive notification of review results within eight weeks of the proposal call closing date. The PI will be informed whether their proposal was accepted or rejected for beam time with comments from the review committee. Review the Proposal Rating descriptions below to understand why proposals are or are not selected for beam time.
General User Program Proposal Ratings
| Rating | Score | Description |
| Extraordinary | 5 | The proposal involves cutting-edge research of great scientific importance. Proposed research will significantly advance knowledge in a specific field or scientific discipline. The neutron scattering capabilities of HFIR and/or SNS are essential to the success of the proposed work. This proposal must be supported with the highest priority. |
| Excellent | 4 | The proposed research is of high quality and has potential for making an important contribution to a specific field or scientific discipline. The work is innovative and is likely to be published in a leading scientific journal. The use of HFIR and/or SNS is highly desirable for the success of the proposed work. It is strongly recommended that this proposal should be supported. |
| Good | 3 | The proposed research is inventive and likely to produce publishable results. Impact on a specific field or scientific discipline is likely. The proposed work will greatly benefit from access to HFIR and/or SNS. This proposal should be supported if sufficient resources are available. |
| Fair | 2 | The proposed research is interesting but may not significantly impact a specific field or scientific discipline. Publication may or may not result from this research. Neutron scattering capability is required, but the proposed work could be performed at other facilities. This proposal should not be supported if the required resources are limited. |
| Poor | 1 | The proposed research is not well-planned or is not feasible. Results would not make important contributions to fundamental or applied understanding, and work is not likely to result in publication. This proposal should not be supported. |
Appeals Process
If a Principal Investigator would like to appeal the rejection decision for their proposal, the PI should send an email to neutronusers@ornl.gov. This must be submitted within 10 days of the rejection notification being sent. The appeal request should include the proposal number and a point-by-point explanation for consideration. Only the proposal PI may submit an appeal request.
The Proposal Coordinator or User Program Manager will review the request and verify no administrative errors were made. If no administrative errors are found, the appeal request will be sent to Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) management and the appropriate Science Review Committee subcommittee chair for evaluation. The NSD Director has the final decision. The Proposal Coordinator or User Program Manager will contact the PI with the results of the appeal request.
This appeals process applies to General User and Collaborative Development proposal types. Award decisions for Proof of Principle and Mail-In are final.
