Full proposal assessment, guidance for experts

To what extent is the proposed research appropriate to the aims and objectives of the call?

To what degree does the proposed research support relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The call text states:
The aim of the call is to support research collaboration among participating countries in the Arctic region to bring forward new knowledge on how to ensure sustainable development of the Arctic. The objective of the call is to jointly fund interdisciplinary research projects of highest international quality, with potential for impact and societal relevance, and with clear added value from multilateral collaboration. The call has no thematic priorities, but three keywords can inspire the applicants when developing their research ideas into proposals: Security, Natural Resources and/or Societal Changes."

To what degree is the research idea original and bold?

What is the potential to develop new knowledge beyond current state-of-the-art?

Are the objectives and research questions/hypothesis clear?

Is the concept and methodology sound and credible?

To what degree are the ethical considerations appropriate and how well these will be handled?

Is the consideration and integration of gender perspectives appropriate, when relevant?

Are the described expected research results and expected outcomes of the research credible?

The soundness of the interdisciplinary approach in terms of participation and integration of different disciplines to achieve common goals of the project.

Is the interdisciplinary approach sound in terms of participation and integration of different disciplines to achieve common goals of the project?

Is the described added value to both or all scientific domains, as well as to the interdisciplinary space, appropriate and credible?

The call text states:
"Only truly interdisciplinary research will be funded. Much of the knowledge needs related to the Arctic demand research that dares to think across traditional boundaries between fields and disciplines and strives to create fertile ground for new approaches and insights. This call is for projects combining and integrating skills from multiple disciplines to contribute with new and groundbreaking knowledge for a Sustainable Development of the Arctic. The integration of methods, data, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories from different scientific fields is crucial in the efforts towards expanding the scope of collective knowledge. The call is open to research proposals that combine at least two of the three areas of science as defined by the European Research Council (ERC): Life sciences, Physical sciences and engineering, and Social sciences and humanities. The interdisciplinary approach of the proposals will be assessed, as well as the boldness and originality of the research ideas. More details regarding ERC’s distribution of research areas into the three overarching categories of science can be found here: ERC_panel_structure_2024_calls.pdf (europa.eu)

Does the project have the potential to create impact on Arctic research through the research collaboration (e.g. by achieving necessary critical mass, enhancing cost-effectiveness by sharing data and research infrastructure, mobility, competence building, enhancing scientific excellence, promoting new innovations and patents, building on unique strengths of the Arctic Region, phenomena, or data)?

Does the project have the potential to create impact for the Arctic societies (e.g. by providing a useful knowledge base for citizens, policymakers, practitioners, and other actors to create societal impact, addressing needs that are unique to the Nordic and Arctic countries)?

The call text states:
“Projects funded by this call should have potential to create substantial added value for the countries involved and for the Arctic region. The call addresses needs that are unique to the Arctic and of particular interest for the countries in the region.
The research projects should create outcomes and impact of greater value for the Arctic than what could be achieved through national activities alone. Research collaboration is an important aspect of collaboration between countries in the Arctic region and can help build critical mass by new combinations of expertise and experience from research communities. Applicants should elaborate on how the proposed project will contribute to Arctic added value by strengthening the Arctic region, enhancing scientific excellence of Arctic research and/or addressing needs or problems that are of special relevance to the Arctic. Arctic added value can also be about building on unique phenomena (e.g., geographical, climactic, cultural, linguistic, or social), data or collections”.

To what extent is the description of relevance of Indigenous perspectives in the proposed research project clear and plausible?

If Indigenous perspectives are considered relevant, to what extent is the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives in the research project inclusive, credible, appropriate, respectful, and ethical?

The call text states: “When considered relevant, the Indigenous perspectives should be an integrated part of the proposed research. A statement of to what extent it is relevant to consider Indigenous perspectives in the project, and in that event, how this will be incorporated in the project, will be evaluated as part of the proposal assessment. Proposers preparing projects working near, with, or impacting, local and Indigenous communities are strongly recommended to engage communities early in the proposal development stages. Proposals that address research areas where the Indigenous perspective does not apply are equally welcome and not precluded from funding.”

If the expert agrees with the applicant’s explanation to why Indigenous perspective do not apply, the pre-proposal should not be graded on the criterion “Indigenous perspectives”. Proposed flow-chart below.

To what extent does the research consortia include the necessary experience, expertise and merits in relation to delivering the proposed research and how is the complementarity of the research consortium as a whole?

How is the quality and effectiveness of the work plan, including extent to which financial and personnel resources are appropriately assigned in line with the objectives and deliverables?

Are the management structures and procedures, including risk management, appropriate?

Are the plans for stakeholder involvement appropriate?

How is the quality of the plans for dissemination, knowledge exchange and communication, including the extent to which such activities align with project objectives?

Based on the above criteria and justifications, what overall grad of the proposal do you suggest. If you weigh criteria differently, please explain your rationale.