Do Narrative CVs Reduce the Asymmetric Information Problem in Science Funding?

In an attempt to reduce overly quantitative assessments of researchers, many research funding bodies are turning to the use of so-called “narrative” curriculum vitae (NCVs). Despite its increasing use, little is known about how scientists approach the process of writing a narrative CV or whether such a format affects their prospects of obtaining funding. Using data on the population of the applicants since 2015 to the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) in Luxembourg, this project addresses the following research questions: 1) How do researchers construct narrative CVs for funding applications, 2) Do narrative CVs affect funding decisions relative to existing inputs in the grant review process (the grant proposal, standard CVs, bibliometric indicators), and 3) Which researchers (in terms of career age, gender, discipline etc.) benefit the most from narrative CVs?

Keywords:Economics of science, Scientific careers, Science funding, Science policy, Narrative CV

Disciplines:Organisation and management theory, Human resource management, Research, science and technology policy