Selection process

The keywords here are transparency, equity and quality. ANR processes are based on competitive schemes and a two-stage peer review process which received ISO 9001 certification in 2008. Its central element is the evaluation panel. For every call for proposals, ANR nominates a specific panel, which consists of internationally recognised researchers from the public or private sector, with the highest knowledge of the scientific and technological issues addressed in the programme.

In the first stage, a minimum of two written reviews are obtained from external expert reviewers who are appointed by the panel members. In the second stage, the projects are assessed by the panel.

The panel assesses all eligible applications and ranks them in three categories (A: Recommended for funding; B: Acceptable; C: Not recommended for funding).

The best projects are then examined by a steering committee. The steering committee comprises qualified prominent figures and institutional representatives whose role is to propose a list of projects to be funded by the ANR in accordance with the work of the evaluation panel and in line with the objectives of the programme.