The reviewers will assess the application in terms of four criteria to be graded A, B or C:
1. Originality and impact of the project
- The project is highly original and has the potential to lead to a scientific breakthrough in its field
- The project is solid and is expected to provide novel insight in its field, but the overall impact may be limited
- The originality and impact of the project are limited
2. Quality of the scientific approach
- The described approach is of exceptional quality and cutting edge
- The approach is solid and internationally competitive
- The approach is not competitive at the international level
3. Feasibility of the project
- The methodology and overall project plan are sound and have no major risks that could question the feasibility of the project
- The methodology and overall project plan are sound but have some elements of risk that are not well/fully addressed by the mitigation plans
- The methodology and overall project plan have major flaws that question the feasibility of the project
4. Quality of the applicant
- The applicant has an outstanding track record relative to his/her career stage and has demonstrated the ability to propose and conduct ground- breaking research
- The applicant has a strong track record and has made important contributions to his/her field
- The scientific merits of the applicant are average to below average in the field
5. Overall conclusion
The reviewers will provide an overall conclusion summing up the main strengths and weaknesses of the application.