The crucial criteria for RJ’s decisions are scientific quality and feasibility of the project. One or more of RJ’s multidisciplinary review panels, consisting of Swedish and international researchers, assess and rank the projects.

In the second round, external reviewers review each detailed application. The external reviewers’ reports are included in the review panels’ assessments. Formally, RJ’s board of directors makes the final decision. No explanations for decisions are provided, but the external reviewers’ written reports are sent to applicants that proceed to the second round.