▸ Does the proposed research address a clearly identified and important scientific challenge?
▸ Is the envisioned solution to the challenge original, novel, «non-standard», aligned with the expertise of the applicant?
▸ What arguments have been put forth to support that the proposed research is ‘ERC-like’ and groundbreaking?
▸ Are the objectives connected to the overall aim? Are they ambitious, and have clear starting and verifiable end points?
▸ To what extent is the research methodology appropriate to reach the objectives?
▸ How coherent and effective are the work plan and risk mitigation measures in order to achieve the project objectives?
▸ To what extent is the project likely to create scientific impact, by opening new research avenues?
▸ Does the proposal convincingly argue why the research is timely and should be financed at this moment?
▸ Are the candidates’ CV and track-record presented in a compelling way?
▸ Does the proposal follow a convincing logical structure and is the language simple and persuasive?