Assessments are conducted by an Assessment Panel set up by PICO which is chaired by and comprises experienced academics. The Panel determines the assessment criteria and details of the two funding schemes. Applications will be assessed by the Panel as well as local and non-local reviewers, who are academics and experts outside the Panel. Suggestions and views of relevant Government bureaux/departments are also sought for reference by the Assessment Panel. A declaration of interest system is in place to ensure the assessments are fair and impartial.