Summary: Independent expert evaluation decides which research and innovation projects receive public support. It assesses excellence, impact and implementation — including methodology, technology readiness (TRL), risks and budgets. A fully independent expert can devote more than 25 years of knowledge and experience to the objective evaluation of research, development and innovation (R&D&I) projects — at both national and European level.
Why it matters
The European Union invests tens of billions of euros a year in research and innovation — from the EU framework programme for research to European Investment Bank financing for water, energy and climate resilience. The quality of evaluation determines whether these funds deliver real impact: cleaner water, more resilient landscapes, a healthier society.
What independent evaluation involves
An evaluator assesses a proposal on three levels: excellence (scientific quality and novelty), impact (benefit to society, the environment and the economy) and implementation (realism of the plan, team, budget and risks). This includes technology readiness (TRL 1–9), feasibility under real-world conditions and the sustainability of results beyond the funding period.
Technology readiness (TRL 1–9)
The Technology Readiness Level indicates how far a technology has progressed from basic research toward real-world operation. It is a common yardstick in the evaluation of R&D&I projects.
| TRL | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic principles observed |
| 2 | Technology concept formulated |
| 3 | Experimental proof of concept |
| 4 | Technology validated in the laboratory |
| 5 | Technology validated in a relevant environment |
| 6 | Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment |
| 7 | System prototype demonstrated in an operational environment |
| 8 | System complete and qualified |
| 9 | Actual system proven in an operational environment |
Source: European Commission – Horizon Europe, technology readiness level (TRL) definitions.
Our approach
We draw on more than 25 years of applied research and environmental engineering practice. We treat evaluation as an expert service in the public interest: independent, confidential and methodologically grounded. Artificial intelligence is used only as a supporting tool — expert judgement and accountability always remain with a person; confidential proposals are never evaluated by a machine.
Limitations
This page is informational. We do not advise on how to “game” evaluation processes and do not comment on specific open calls or proposals.
How evaluation works
Evaluation of R&D&I projects usually has two phases: individual evaluation, where each expert independently assesses proposals against the criteria of excellence, impact and implementation, and a consensus phase, where the panel reaches agreement and a rapporteur drafts the consensus report. An independent expert brings years of knowledge, impartiality and clear scientific writing to this process.
Frequently asked questions
What is independent expert evaluation?
The assessment of a proposal by an independent expert against clear criteria: scientific excellence, expected impact and implementation feasibility, including risks and budget.
Who is a rapporteur?
An evaluator who, after individual evaluations, leads the panel’s consensus discussion and drafts the final evaluation report. The role requires impartiality, synthesis and clear scientific writing.
What does Technology Readiness Level (TRL) mean?
A 1–9 scale showing how far a technology has moved from basic research (TRL 1) to proven operation (TRL 9). It is also used by the European Commission.
What criteria are Horizon Europe projects evaluated against?
Three criteria: excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of the implementation.
Selected sources
- European Commission — Research and innovation: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu
- EU Funding & Tenders Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders
- European Investment Bank — Climate and environment: https://www.eib.org
Reviewer: RNDr. Pavel Dusílek, MSc. · independent expert evaluator for European Commission programmes (Horizon Europe) · Reviewed: July 2026 · Contact: info@aqua-eco-terra.com