Most common reasons for rejection

Incomplete
Proposal fails to convincingly address all the critical points required (see below)

Heterogeneously Developed
The proposal fully develops specific sections but neglects some important sections

Scattered research programme
Lack of clear cohesion between the doctoral candidates’ individual projects required to achieve the overall scientific aim of the project

Readability issues
Proposal difficult to read: complicated organisation of ideas, intricate text flow, or language not adapted to the audience

How we can help you maximise your chances of success

Motivation
The identified scientific need is important and addresses key societal/economic/environmental challenges.

Research & innovation (R&I) objectives
The defined R&I objectives are clear, specific, ambitious, realistically achievable, measurable, verifiable, and connect with the project’s main purpose.

Feasibility of the research programme
The individual projects (IPs) composing the research plan are cohesive and the proposed methodology is sound for achieving the R&I objectives.

Training programme
The innovative doctoral training programme ensures doctoral candidates (DCs) will develop key competences for successful IP implementation and to boost their future career perspectives in research.

Sustainability of the training programme
The measures to ensure the continuity of the programme as well as complementarity with other training programmes are convincing.

Composition of the network
The doctoral network has marked intersectoral, interdisciplinary and international character enhancing the training programme and matching the required expertise for the research programme.

Impacts
The project has important scientific, societal and economic impacts that extend beyond its time frame and align with EU goals.

Implementation
The project’s timelines and proposed activities including the recruiting process, and network management structures are coherent and effective.

Risk positioning
The potential risks of all the aspects of the project (recruitment, training, research project, network management) are well-identified and solid contingencies are in place to make it bulletproof

Text flow
The proposal is well-structured, easy to read, and enjoyable and presents a coherent flow of ideas.

More generally…
We will also assess the interdisciplinarity, originality, and cohesion of the project.