Evaluation

There are two main items in the evaluation, (1) the research plan, and (2) competence of the applicant and the quality of the research environment. In the evaluation of the research plan, the key issues are scientific quality and innovativeness of the research plan as well as potential for breakthrough research. The main items are divided into sub-items as follows:

1 Research plan (rating 1–6)
1.1 Scientific quality and innovativeness of the research plan (sub-rating 1–6)
1.2 Feasibility of the research plan (sub-rating 1–6)
1.3 Ethical questions (to be answered if relevant)

2 Competence of applicant and quality of the research environment (rating 1–6)
2.1 Competence and expertise of the applicant/research team (sub-rating 1–6)
2.2 Description and significance of research collaborations (sub-rating 1–6)
2.3 Research environment (sub-rating 1–6)
2.4 In the case of a research consortium, significance of the consortium for the attainment of the research objectives

In case you are evaluating a research programme application, there is an additional sub-item “Relevance of the project to the research programme” under Item 1 (Research Plan).

Please write comments for each sub-item. These comments are particularly valuable to the Research Council in its decision-making. After funding decisions, the evaluation is sent to the applicant. The evaluations will provide applicants with important guidance for drafting future proposals.
 
Numerical evaluation of the sub-items and Item 1 (Research plan) and Item 2 (Competence of applicant and quality of research environment) is made with ratings ranging from 1 (poor) to 6 (outstanding).

Finally, you are asked to give your final rating and overall assessment of the proposal including the strengths and weaknesses as well as possible additional comments. Please note that the final rating should not be a mathematical average of the sub-ratings. It is important to comment both on the strengths and the weaknesses of the application. If your rating is below 6 (outstanding), please elaborate especially on the weaknesses in addition to the strengths.

Please rate the application using the scale below. You are encouraged to use the whole scale.

6 = outstanding proposal, which stands out with exceptional novelty, innovativeness and renewal of science at global level
5 = excellent proposal, which is extremely good in international comparison – no elements to be improved
4 = very good proposal, which only contains minor elements that could be improved
3 = good proposal, which contains some elements that can be improved
2 = satisfactory proposal, in need of substantial modification or improvement
1 = poor proposal, with severe weaknesses that are intrinsic to the proposed project