This page discusses the role of the Executive Committee in the JWST peer review process.

There are two Executive Committees (ECs) with two separate Chairs, one for the Galactic panels (Solar System; Exoplanet Atmospheres and Habitability; Exoplanetary System Formation and Dynamics; Stars and Stellar Populations; Gas, Dust and the ISM), and one for the Extragalactic panels (Nearby Galaxies to Cosmic Noon; High-Redshift Galaxies and the Distant Universe; Super Massive Black Holes and Active Galaxies).  

The ultimate goal of the ECs is to recommend a Science Program to the STScI Director in response to the Call for Proposals. The Executive Committees' discussions are held in person at STScI. Each of the two ECs is constituted by its Chair and by the Chairs and Vice Chairs from all the corresponding panels. The ECs review Large GO proposals (> 130 hours), Treasury GO programs, Legacy AR programs and other requests for substantial resources, such as large Pure Parallel programs. The ECs are provided additional input on proposals from the Discussion panels, via the corresponding panel Chair and Vice Chair, and from the Expert Reviewers, that provide asynchronous reviews. The ECs also adjudicates any cross-panel scientific issues, as needed. 

The EC meeting

The EC review follows the same process as the Discussion Panels. The Panel Chairs and Vice Chairs are assigned as primary reviewers, secondary reviewers, and graders. Review proceeds with a preliminary grading phase, followed by triage, and then the discussion meeting. EC members should follow all guidance provided to the Discussion panelists for this part of the review.

During the Discussion panel meetings

EC members have additional responsibilities during the Discussion Panel meetings.

Panel Chairs and Vice Chairs

See Guidelines for Discussion Panel Chairs - Cycle 4.

TAC Chair

The TAC Chair is not assigned to a particular topical panel. You participate in the topical panel reviews as observers. This involves:

• Moving between different topical panels (hopping between virtual calls), and observing the discussions.
• Stepping in to chair a panel for the discussion of an individual proposal if the Panel Chair and Vice Chair are both conflicted and panel members prefer not to step in to chair.

You will not read or grade any proposals in the topical panels.

Next: Executive Committee Expert Reviews - Cycle 4