Projects are assessed in a multi-stage process.

1. An initial check for completeness of submitted documents and formal fulfillment of eligibility criteria is carried out by the Office for Grand Challenge Initiatives of the Berlin University Alliance. In case of formal deficiencies, the applicant has the possibility to correct the deficiencies within three working days.
2. After the initial check, all proposals will be assessed in a written review by external experts in the field of research and external experts on transdisciplinary research. The review is based on scores and explanations of the funding criteria as well as an overall numerical rating of the application.
3. Based on scores received in the written reviews the reviewers, advised by the steering committees of Objective 1 ‘Focusing on Grand Challenges, and Objective 2, ‘Fostering Knowledge Exchange’ as well as one additional member of the other BUA steering committees and/or BUA Internal Scientific Council, will create a shortlist of up to 10 proposals. Based on the written and scored reviews the reviewers will come up with the final ranking and funding recommendation during a digital selection session to be held beginning of June 2024. The funding recommendation is recorded and documented. The Board of Directors of the Alliance is expected to make the final funding decision in June 2024.

The earliest start date for funding is expected to be July 1, 2024, and funding will end no later than Oct. 31, 2026.