When everyone writes like a pro: rethinking grant review in the age of AI

Chris H. Hugenholtz

Research Evaluation2026https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvag005article
AJG 2ABDC C
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

Abstract Writing quality is no longer a reliable indicator of merit in grant review. AI tools make polished proposals common, forcing reviewers to focus on substance, feasibility, and verifiable evidence of applicants’ ideas. Well-designed systems can recognize genuine ideas rather than just carefully crafted applications.

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Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvag005

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{chris2026,
  title        = {{When everyone writes like a pro: rethinking grant review in the age of AI}},
  author       = {Chris H. Hugenholtz},
  journal      = {Research Evaluation},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/reseval/rvag005},
}

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When everyone writes like a pro: rethinking grant review in the age of AI

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.