3 questions for Salvatore D’Arco
Published on 19/08/2021
Salvatore d’Arco is a member of France Energies Marines’ Science and Technology Committee and Researcher at Sintef, Norway.
This interview was conducted as part of France Energies Marines’ 2020 annual report.
How does the project evaluation process work?
The evaluation criteria are specified in a question-naire provided by France Energies Marines. This form is divided into three sections: scientific excellence, value added for stakeholders and project implemen-tation (scoping, organisation, budget, etc.). These criteria are very relevant and similar to those used for European projects. For the evaluation process, I begin by reading the questionnaire, then I study the proposals. Each project is reviewed by two or three members of the Science and Technology Committee, according to the relevant fields of expertise. There are two project evaluation phases: pre-proposals and completed projects.
How do you interact with the project managers at France Energies Marines?
The entire process comprises ongoing dialogue. When we complete the questionnaire, we make a certain number of remarks and the project managers provide answers. A meeting is then organised with the members of the Science and Technology Committee and France Energies Marines staff to discuss the evaluations. This process takes places twice: once for pre-proposals and again for completed projects. In 2019, we were invited to France Energies Marines’ head office in Brest to meet the team in person. I really appreciated this initiative as our discussions were very interesting and productive.
What do you appreciate most about being a member of this Committee?
First, I’d like to emphasise that the proposals are very relevant and in general of high quality. It is very stimulating to see that our remarks are taken seriously. The evaluation process is not simply a box-checking exercise, it’s a real opportunity to discuss the content. I really feel like I’m part of the process when I see my comments helping to shape the proposals, and to improve the quality of the projects and the work that will be conducted over the coming years. The fact that this process occurs periodically means that I’m involved in an ongoing action over time, and can get to know the team and see the progress made. I’m very attached to this notion of overall consistency, which is why I’m delighted to be a member of France Energies Marines’ Science and Technology Committee.
Photo credit: Sintef