RCA Scoring Rubric
Research and Creative Activity Scoring Rubric
*Revised July 2025*
RCA scoring follows two evaluation rubrics, depending on the research domain of the proposed project. Following the review process, the applicants will receive comments from the reviewers.
For health-related research, organizational studies, marketing, humanities, and arts research
| Score | |
|---|---|
| Importance of the Research (Significance and Innovation): potential impact or scholarly merit of the project is clear for the field or applicant(s) research potential and progress. (Rate from 1 to 9) | |
| Rigor and Feasibility (Approach): overall strategy, methodology and analytical strategies are appropriate to achieve aims. (Rate from 1 to 9) | |
| Expertise and Resources: The investigators are well suited to carry out the project, with appropriate experience, training and access to resources. They were evaluated as appropriate or identified gaps. There was no individual score. |
Criteria Scores
| Score | Guidance on Strengths/Weaknesses | Descriptor | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exceptionally strong with essentially no weaknesses | Exceptional | High |
| 2 | Extremely strong with negligible weaknesses | Outstanding | |
| 3 | Very strong with only some minor weaknesses | Excellent | |
| 4 | Strong but with numerous minor weaknesses | Very Good | Medium |
| 5 | Some strengths, but at least one major weakness | Good | |
| 6 | Some strengths, but at least one major weakness | Satisfactory | |
| 7 | Some strengths but at least one major weakness | Fair | Low |
| 8 | A few strengths and a few major weaknesses | Marginal | |
| 9 | Very few strengths and numerous major weaknesses | Poor |
For STEM Related Research
Intellectual Merit: the potential for the proposed project to advance knowledge, with particular focus on whether the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts, and the plan for the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Evaluated on a scale from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. Reviewers are asked to comment on strengths and weaknesses.
Intellectual Merit: the potential for the proposed project to advance knowledge, with particular focus on whether the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts, and the plan for the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Evaluated on a scale from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. Reviewers are asked to comment on strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
Weaknesses: