Assessment criteria Semper Ardens

Published:

30.06.2025

Applications for the Semper Ardens funding instruments are assessed by international external reviewers and subsequently by the Board of the Carlsberg Foundation, according to the following criteria:

External

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?

The Board

Application

To what extent is there a clear and relevant research question?
To what extent is the application written such that it is accessible to non-experts?

Eligibility

To what extent does the project meet the purpose of the grant type?

Research contribution

Originality and breakthroughs

To what extent is the project original?
To what extent does the project present a potential scientific breakthrough in the field?

Quality of approach

To what extent is the approach of high quality?
To what extent is the approach ground-breaking?
To what extent is the approach internationally competitive?
To what extent is there a well-thought-out plan for the career development for junior researchers connected to the project?
To what extent is the budget well-justified?

Feasibility

To what extent is the methodology relevant?
To what extent is the project plan realistic?
To what extent are there significant risk factors that may prevent project execution?

Qualifications of the applicant(s)

To what extent has the applicant obtained excellent results compared to career level?
To what extent has the applicant demonstrated an ability to carry out innovative research?
To what extent has the applicant succeeded in defining and developing the field?
Where funding for scientific staff is included. To what extent has the applicant demonstrated leadership, supervision, and mentoring skills (e.g., research group, international collaboration, leadership course)?
If applying as a team. To what extent does the team present a clear vision for excellence in shared leadership?