# VRG26 / Funding and evaluation criteria The following criteria are used throughout the evaluation process: ##### **Scope** - Is the project within the scope of the call as described in the call specifications? Projects which are not within the thematic scope will be immediately rejected by the jury, regardless of the scientific quality. The key criterion in the evaluation of applications is **scientific quality**. This means both the submitted project and the candidate must be scientifically outstanding. This will be assessed using the following criteria: ##### **Quality of the VRG candidate** - **Scientific excellence and academic potential of the applicant: **Accomplishments and potential of the applicants to conduct the proposed research and to go beyond the state of the art. Candidates should have substantial research experience and research outputs. This should be demonstrated through a record of high-quality publications (in peer reviewed journals) and comparable achievements. Academic achievements will be evaluated in accordance with academic age. - **Independent thinking and leadership:** Demonstration of the VRG candidate’s leadership potential and capacity to conduct independent research. ##### **Quality of the proposed research** - **Innovative character of the proposed research: **Does the proposed research work meet the highest relevant international quality standards? Does the project show scientific originality and innovative aspects? Are the methods and research approaches appropriate and innovative? - **Feasibility:** Is the timeframe sufficient for carrying out the project? Are the proposed resources suitable to achieve the goals? Is the budget adequate? - **Consideration of gender aspects**: has the relevance of potential sex-specific and gender-related aspects of the proposed project been considered and explained throughout the proposal? - **Relevance**: What is the project’s mid-to long term academic, societal and economics impacts, particularly with regard to Vienna? ##### **Fit to the research environment at the new host institution:** - **Integration into the research environment**: Plans and commitments for the integration of the VRG candidate into the research environment of the host institution have to be described in the proposal. This includes a formal position in the university structure, integration into academic teaching, and authorisation to supervise master and doctoral students from the commencement of their contract. - If a non-university research institution applies for funding, the points listed [here](https://wiki.wwtf.at/books/vienna-research-groups-call-2026/page/vrg26-eligibility-of-applicants-and-roles-in-the-project) are considered important funding and evaluation criteria. - **Career perspective**: A career model within the university, which offers the VRG candidate a long-term career perspective linked to evaluation of individual performance. - **Continuation of funding / evaluation**: Clear concept for the interim evaluation involving WWTF. ##### **Other aspects:** - **Career breaks** such as for parental leave, care duties and longer illnesses will be taken into account in the evaluation of the proposals. Please indicate the time periods to allow them to be considered. - Consideration of WWTF’s **Gender Strategy and Equality Plan is mandatory**.