Division 2 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to set out the rules applying to the submission and peer review evaluation of proposals, and to the award of grants to successful proposals. The rules set fundamental parameters which are designed to ensure that the procedures leading up to the award of grants are rigorous, fair, effective and appropriate. They have been defined in association with the ERC Scientific Council, the latter being responsible, inter alia, for establishing the Ideas work programme, the peer review evaluation methods and procedures applying for proposal peer review evaluation under the Ideas Specific Programme and for identifying the independent experts assisting to such peer review evaluation. They are adopted by the Commission in accordance with the Rules for Participation.

• Section 1 describes the key principles applying to the process from submission to award: excellence, transparency, fairness and impartiality, efficiency and speed; as well as ethical considerations.

• Section 2 describes the procedures for the submission of proposals and the way they are handled thereafter, including the assessment of eligibility.

• Section 3 describes the peer review evaluation, including the way in which independent experts are selected and appointed, the treatment of potential and actual conflicts of interest, and the organisation of peer review evaluation. It describes also the way in which appeals and complaints will be handled, and the reporting of the peer review evaluation and award of grants.

• Section 4 describes the preparation and award of grants.