The European Genetics Foundation (www.eurogene.org), Telethon Italy (www.telethon.it), the PROGEN Consortium (www.consorzioprogen.it) and the University of Bologna, under the aegis of the Italian Consiglio Universitario Nazionale (CUN), are promoting for the second year a course devoted to scientific officers responsible of the organization of the peer review of research projects in all areas of science. The aim of the course is to provide a platform of information/discussion on the themes related to the implementation of the best practices of peer review by public and private granting agencies. The programme will be focused on providing an overview of peer review-based models adopted by leading European and American granting agencies to implement strategies for funding scientific research. Lectures and round-tables involving preeminent policy-makers will delineate key issues and challenges for the diffusion of an effective peer-review-based system aimed at funding the best science. Interactive workshop sessions, chaired by Telethon Scientific Officers, will be the occasion for participants to discuss key themes and policies in peer review management and compare different perspectives on the basis of their specific work experience. The course will be aimed at scientific officers at the European level, and will accept a maximum of 50 students.