The evaluation procedure for projects in NRPs is generally conducted in two stages: first, applicants submit pre-proposals. Second, the applicants whose pre-proposals were accepted are invited to submit a full proposal.
Pre-proposals
The Steering Committee of the NRP evaluates the pre-proposals submitted in response to the call and makes a selection. The evaluation procedure is conducted according to the following principles:
- When evaluating the pre-proposals, the Steering Committee may refer to a panel of experts. In addition, it often obtains written external reviews of the pre-proposals.
- The pre-proposals are evaluated according to the evaluation criteria listed in the call document.
- Pre-proposals that do not meet the formal requirements are not accepted by the Administrative Offices.
- The external reviewers focus on appraising the scientific quality of the pre-proposal. The members of the Steering Committee also assess the pre-proposal based on the criteria of compatibility with the NRP's goals, relevance and practical application potential. In addition, they compare the pre-proposal with the other pre-proposals submitted and rate it accordingly.
- The Steering Committee has the final say with regard to the approval or rejection of a project pre-proposal, i.e. its decisions do not need to be confirmed by the Research Council.
- The Steering Committee may set specific scientific and financial conditions with regard to the proposal. It assesses the requested amount of funding and generally sets a cap on the costs for each project.
- The Steering Committee may invite researchers who have submitted a pre-proposal to discuss open questions or possible forms of coordination with them.
- In the event of a negative decision, the researchers who submitted the pre-proposal are informed of the specific reasons for rejection.
- In the event of a positive decision, the researchers who submitted the pre-proposal are invited to submit a full proposal (2nd stage).