Proposal Review Services

Independent Review for Horizon Europe, ERC, and MSCA Proposals

Preparing a competitive research proposal requires not only strong scientific ideas but also a clear structure, convincing argumentation, and careful alignment with funder guidance and evaluation criteria.

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Ainars Blaudums provides expert proposal review services for Horizon Europe collaborative proposals (Pillar II), European Research Council (ERC) grants, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships.

With more than 20 years of experience in EU research funding and involvement in over 100 successful EU-funded project proposals submitted by SMEs and leading UK universities, Ainars provides structured feedback focused on the aspects most relevant to evaluators.

Proposal review is designed to help applicants improve proposal quality, address potential weaknesses, and increase the competitiveness of submissions prior to the deadline.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

For Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships, proposal review focuses on improving proposal structure, strengthening the applicant’s profile, ensuring clarity, and aligning the proposal with MSCA evaluation criteria.

Typical areas covered include:

• research project design and methodology
• training and career development elements
• quality of supervision and host environment
• dissemination and communication strategy
• overall proposal structure and coherence
• project implementation elements (Gantt chart and work plan)

The aim is to ensure that the proposal clearly demonstrates scientific excellence, the strength of the researcher’s profile, and their career development potential.

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European Research Council (ERC) Proposals

ERC proposals are evaluated primarily on scientific excellence. Proposal review therefore focuses on assessing the clarity and persuasiveness of the scientific narrative.

Typical review areas include:

• clarity of the ground-breaking nature of the research
• coherence of the research methodology and objectives
• logical structure and argumentation
• alignment with ERC evaluation expectations
• presentation of the principal investigator’s track record and leadership potential

Reviews are suitable for ERC Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants, Advanced Grants, and Proof of Concept proposals.

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Horizon Europe Collaborative Proposals (Pillar II)

For collaborative research proposals under Horizon Europe Pillar II, proposal review focuses on two of the three main evaluation criteria: Impact and Implementation.

Typical review elements include:

• alignment with the call topic and expected outcomes
• coherence of the methodology and work plan
• strength and credibility of the Impact section
• structure of the implementation plan and work packages
• strength and credibility of the Implementation section
• identification of weaknesses that could affect evaluation scores

For the Impact section, additional subject-matter experts may be involved where appropriate. This can include targeted feedback and light writing support for specific elements such as:

• exploitation pathways
• dissemination strategy
• stakeholder engagement
• policy relevance

This approach helps ensure that the proposal presents a clear and credible pathway from research results to wider societal and economic impact.

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Review Process

Proposal review is normally carried out in the following steps:

1. Initial discussion

A brief consultation to understand the proposal stage, timeline, and specific support required.

2. Proposal review

Detailed review of the draft proposal with structured comments and recommendations.

3. Feedback delivery

Comments are provided directly in the proposal document together with overall suggestions for improvement.

4. Follow-up iteration (if time allows)

Where timelines permit, a revised version can be reviewed after changes have been implemented.

Early engagement allows for deeper feedback and the possibility of multiple review iterations.

What You Receive

Proposal review includes structured feedback designed to strengthen your submission before the deadline. Typically, applicants receive:

• annotated comments directly in the proposal document
• a short summary of key strengths and weaknesses
• recommendations for improving clarity, structure, and alignment with evaluation criteria
• suggestions for strengthening impact and implementation elements where relevant

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Follow-up discussion can be arranged to clarify feedback and discuss revision priorities.

Timing and Availability

Proposal review is most effective when a reasonably complete draft is available several weeks before the submission deadline. Early engagement allows time for more detailed feedback and, where possible, additional review iterations.

Availability may be limited close to major MSCA, ERC, or Horizon Europe deadlines.

Who This Service Is For

Proposal review services are suitable for:

• MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship candidates and supervisors
• applicants for European Research Council grants
• researchers preparing Horizon Europe collaborative proposals
• universities and research organisations seeking independent external review
• SMEs participating in Horizon Europe consortia

About the Consultant

Ainars Blaudums has more than 20 years of experience in EU research funding and has supported over 100 successful EU-funded projects across universities, research organisations, and industry partners.

If you are preparing a proposal and would like independent expert feedback before submission, please get in touch to discuss availability and timelines.

Early review allows more time to refine the proposal and strengthen key sections before submission.

Contact EU Project AB to discuss proposal review services.

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