Assessment Criteria

Maximum score: 10 points

The following are assessed:

• the relevance and scientific novelty of the proposed research;
• the scientific quality of the research proposal and its alignment with the proposed doctoral thesis (research aim, objectives, research question or hypothesis);
• the research design and methodology (including research subjects and data collection methods);
• the research competence of the supervisor (or supervisors) in the scientific field(s) relevant to the doctoral thesis topic, ensuring the quality of supervision and the transfer of knowledge between the supervisor and the doctoral candidate;
• scientific publications related to the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a copy of the publication, a link to the relevant website, or written confirmation of acceptance for publication);
• a presentation delivered at a scientific conference on the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a copy of the conference programme).

Maximum score: 10 points

The following are assessed:

• the anticipated outcomes and the expected contribution to the relevant field of scientific research (including interdisciplinary approaches);
• the alignment of the topic with the priority research themes of the University of Latvia or its cooperation partners;
• whether the development of the doctoral thesis is planned within an international, Latvian Council of Science (hereinafter — LCS), University of Latvia, or other scientific institution research project related to the proposed doctoral thesis topic (supporting documentation: a letter of confirmation from the project leader);
• whether the development of the doctoral thesis is planned within a research project supported by external funding — for example, from industry or civil society organisations — for research conducted at the University of Latvia (supporting documentation: a letter of confirmation from the project leader).

Maximum score – 10

The following are assessed:

• the presentation of the proposed research or discussion of the intended research with members of the respective field’s Doctoral Council (mastery of the subject matter, clarity of presentation, sources used, and responses to questions raised);
• the applicant’s motivation and capacity to carry out the proposed research;
• scientific publications unrelated to the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a copy of the publication, a link to the relevant website, or written confirmation of acceptance for publication);
• a presentation delivered at a scientific conference on a topic unrelated to the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a copy of the conference programme);
• participation in an international, LCS, University of Latvia, or other scientific institution research project related to the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a letter of confirmation from the project leader);
• participation in an international, LCS, University of Latvia, or other scientific institution research project unrelated to the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis (supporting documentation: a letter of confirmation from the project leader);
• participation in a research project supported by external funding — for example, from industry or civil society organisations — for research conducted at the University of Latvia (supporting documentation: a letter of confirmation from the project leader);
• the applicant’s academic or research experience at the University of Latvia (or at another institution of higher education, or research experience at a scientific institute), as evidenced by the applicant’s curriculum vitae;
• mobility — employment, study, or placement at foreign institutions of higher education or research institutes (supporting documentation: a certificate issued by the employer, institution of higher education, or research institute).