Knowledge Base

The final evaluation and decision phase represents the concluding stage of the Research Proposal selection process within the Transnational Access programme.

At this stage, based on the outcomes of the Peer Review process, a proposal is formally accepted or rejected. The final decision is taken through a structured workflow involving the TNA Manager and, where applicable, the Host Coordinator, in accordance with the roles and responsibilities defined by the system.

This phase ensures that all proposals are assessed consistently, transparently, and in alignment with the objectives of the Call for Application.

Once all reviews have been completed and the Research Proposal reaches the internal status Peer Reviews Completed, the TNA Manager can access the evaluation results.

During this stage, the TNA Manager:

• reviews the scores, comments, and scientific assessments provided by the Peer Reviewers;
• verifies the overall scientific coherence and feasibility of the proposal;
• evaluates any critical issues or clarification requests raised during the review process.

Based on this analysis, the proposal becomes eligible for final decision.

If the evaluation outcome is positive, the TNA Manager and/or the Host Coordinator may proceed with the acceptance of the Research Proposal.

By selecting the action Accept:

• the proposal status changes to Accepted;
• the Fellow is notified of the positive outcome;
• the Transnational Access process moves forward to the operational phase, including the planning of the research visit.

Acceptance confirms that the proposal meets the scientific and organisational requirements defined in the Call for Application.

If the proposal does not meet the evaluation criteria, the TNA Manager and/or the Host Coordinator may proceed with rejection.

By selecting the action Reject:

• the proposal status changes to Rejected;
• the Fellow is notified of the negative outcome;
• a motivation supporting the decision may be provided, where applicable.

Rejection concludes the evaluation process for the Research Proposal, which does not proceed to the visit phase.

In specific situations, before issuing a final decision, the TNA Manager or the Host Coordinator may require additional clarification or further scientific assessment.

In such cases:

• the proposal may return to the status Under Peer Review;
• the assigned Peer Reviewers are notified again;
• evaluations may be updated or supplemented.

This mechanism ensures flexibility and accuracy in the decision-making process.

Even at an advanced stage of the process, the Fellow retains the possibility to withdraw the application.

In the event of withdrawal:

• the Research Proposal changes to the status Cancelled;
• the process is formally interrupted;
• all involved actors receive a notification.

The withdrawal is recorded by the system for traceability and audit purposes.