RSF: Rating scale and review criteria for relevance

6

extremely   significant

research of crucial relevance to users, i.e., such novelty or timeliness and promise that an extremely significant contribution to policy or practice is likely; demonstrates exceptional novelty and innovation to address a solution to an important problem or a critical barrier

5

very significant

research of very high relevance to users, i.e., such novelty or timeliness and promise that a very significant contribution to policy or practice is likely; high potential to address a solution to an important problem or a critical barrier

4

significant

research of high relevance to users, i.e., such novelty or timeliness and promise that a significant contribution to policy or practice is likely

3

moderate

research of relevance to users, i.e. such novelty or timeliness and promise that a moderate contribution to policy or practice is likely

2

limited

research that will add to understanding but that might not be of sufficient relevance or urgency to influence policy or practice

1

poor

research not considered relevant; proposal is in need of substantial modification or improvement

1 Project’s relevance to the programme

Societal relevance of project and match with programme

Guiding questions:

How does the project contribute to achieving the objectives of the programme? Are the objectives and/or the implementation of the research societally important?

2 Project’s interaction with society

Reaching stakeholders and networks, obtaining support to decision-making

Guiding questions:

Is the implementation of research activities and results good and efficient? Are the effects and scope of the intended interaction relevant and realistic from a societal perspective? Are co-creation, co-design or participative methods used well in the different phases of the project?

3 Competence and expertise

Competence and expertise of consortium, including external collaboration

Guiding questions:

What are the merits and expertise of the consortium (incl. multidisciplinary expertise and external collaboration) in conducting socially relevant research that enables impact on society? Is the management and coordination of the consortium appropriate and high-quality? Does the consortium have appropriate competence to implement the interaction plans?

4 Overall assessment

List of main strengths and weaknesses of the project; additional comments and recommendations