MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance

Evaluation Criteria

Expression of Interest Form

Evaluation and Scoring Criteria for MacEachen Institute (MI) Project Leads

The following criteria and scoring scheme are used to assess the expressions of interest. These criteria are based on those for a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant; some amendments have been made considering the role of the MacEachen Institute.

Challenge—The aim and importance of the endeavour (30%):

  • originality, significance, and expected contribution to MacEachen Institute vision, mission, goals, and research themes;
  • opportunity for training and mentoring to be provided to a Junior Fellow, and opportunities for them to contribute;
  • potential for the project results to have influence and impact within and beyond Dalhousie University, and within public policy arenas; and
  • potential for long-term viability of the proposed initiative(s).

Feasibility—The plan to achieve excellence (20%):

  • probability that the objectives will be met within the timeline proposed;
  • quality and appropriateness of the engagement and outreach plans, including effective dissemination, exchange and engagement with stakeholders within and/or beyond the research community, where applicable; and
  • appropriateness of the strategies for conducting the activity/activities proposed.   

Capability—The expertise to succeed (30%):

  • evidence of quality and high-impact research and knowledge generation;
  • evidence of engagement with, and impact on, public policy initiatives and debates;
  • evidence of contribution to knowledge mobilization activities (e.g., panels, roundtables, experience in collaboration / other interactions with stakeholders, contributions to public debate and the media);
  • evidence of contributions to the development of talent; 
  • experience in formal partnerships; and
  • experience communicating scholarly outputs in accessible formats and forums.

Leverage—The use of resources to realize stated objectives (10%)

  • evidence that MacEachen Institute resources can enable/facilitate/accelerate the realization of the goal and objectives; and
  • quality of the revenue-generating plan.

Compatibility—The alignment with MacEachen Institute research themes and goals (10%):

  • demonstrated alignment with MacEachen Institute research themes; and
  • evidence of interdisciplinary approaches.