How we process applications
The details of how we process your application can be found in the call for proposals you have applied for. However, there are some common features in how we process the vast majority of applications we receive. These are the most important steps in how we typically process applications with external assessment. Applications for funding of less than NOK 500 000 will be assessed by our case officers.
Application assessment by external referee panels
1
Submission of application
You create an application via a call for proposals. When you submit the application via "My RCN Web", you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.
2
Preliminary assessment
As soon as we receive the application, we will check whether it satisfies all the requirements set out in the call. If it does not, it may be rejected, but you can apply again at the next opportunity.
3
Assessment by external referee panels
The application will be sent to a panel of at least 3 referees. All panel members read and assess all applications assigned to the panel. Then they meet to discuss and agree on grades and feedback.
4
Relevance rating and ranking
The call states whether the application will be assessed for relevance. If so, we assign a mark for how well the application fits the topic and priorities in the call Then the applications are ranked.
5
Decisions made by the portfolio boards
A decision on funding is normally made by one of our portfolio boards. The call for proposals states what they will prioritise. See the overview of when you can expect to see the call results.
6
Result
Feedback on the results will be provided in "My RCN Web" and by email. All applicants will receive an explanation of the decision. We also publish which projects receive funding on our website.
7
Revision of application
When the funding decision has been made, we will inform you about what you must do with your application before we can enter into a contract.
8
Sign a contract
Projects awarded funding must sign a contract with the Research Council.
Referee panels of external referees will assess the applications
Most grant applications submitted to the Research Council will be assessed by referees for the thematic areas and subject areas concerned. We bring in referees from nationally and internationally leading research and innovation environments.
The referees assess the application in relation to the assessment criteria. The application will be assessed by several referees who have been appointed to referee panels. The impartiality of all referees is clarified before applications are assessed.
The referee panels will reach a consensus-based assessment of each grant application. The referee panels' assessments form the basis for our decision on whether or not to grant funding.
We have created separate videos for you as applicants to explain how these meetings take place for Researcher Projects and for Innovation Projects for the Industrial Sector.
Common assessment criteria
The Research Council has common assessment criteria that the external referees use to provide an overall quality assessment of grant applications:
- Excellence
- Impact
- Implementation
The content of the three criteria is adapted to the Research Council's different application types, but has a similar structure. Read more about the scale of marks and assessment criteria used by the referees and the administration.
For individual grant applications, the application's relevance in relation to the requirements and priorities set out in the call will also be assessed. This assessment of relevance is carried out by the Research Council's case officers.