Assessment criteria Semper Ardens

1. Ground-breaking nature and potential impact of the research project

• To what extent does the project address important challenges within its field?
• To what extent are the project's objectives original and ambitious, surpassing current state-of-the-art, e.g., with novel concepts or interdisciplinary approaches?
• How significant is the potential broader impact of the research?

2. Scientific approach of the project

• How feasible is the proposed scientific approach?
• To what extent is the research methodology innovative and appropriate for achieving the goals of the project?
• Are the proposed timeline, resources, and commitment of the applicant adequate and well justified?

3. Intellectual capacity, creativity and leadership skills of the applicant

• To what extent has the applicant demonstrated creativity, original thinking, and the ability to conduct high-impact research at the highest international level, considering their career stage?
• Does the applicant possess the necessary scientific expertise and resources to successfully execute the proposed project?
• To what extent has the applicant demonstrated adequate leadership and mentoring skills?

Application

• Is there a clear and relevant research question?
• Is the application accessible to non-experts?

Funding instrument

• Does the project adequately meet the purpose of the funding instrument?

Research contribution

Originality and breakthroughs

• Is the project original?
• Does the project present a potential scientific breakthrough in the field?

Quality of approach

• Is the approach of high quality?
• Is the approach ground-breaking?
• Is the approach internationally competitive?

Feasibility

• Is the methodology relevant?
• Is the project plan realistic?
• Are there significant risk factors that may prevent project execution?

Qualifications of the applicant

• Has the applicant obtained excellent results compared to career level?
• Has the applicant demonstrated an ability to carry out innovative research?
• Has the applicant succeeded in defining and developing the field?
• Where funding for scientific staff is included. Has the applicant demonstrated leadership, supervision, and mentoring skills (e.g., research group, international collaboration, leadership course)?