Every match between you and a funding opportunity carries a single fit score. Think of it as the system's best estimate of how closely the opportunity's stated scope, eligibility, and topic line up with what you actually do.

Higher is better, but the score is a guide, not a verdict. A moderate-looking match can still be the right opportunity for you, especially when one of the qualitative reasons jumps out as particularly relevant.

What goes into it

The score is a weighted blend of several signals:

• Topical overlap between the opportunity and your stated research areas and expertise.
• Matches against your publication and grant history when ORCID or a CV is connected.
• Eligibility signals such as career stage, institution type, and geography when the sponsor specifies them.
• Sponsor and program affinities derived from your prior funded work.

The exact weights are tuned periodically and aren't displayed per-match. What you do see on every match are the qualitative indicators behind the score — short, icon-mapped badges that call out what aligned (and what didn't).

How to read a match

Lead with the qualitative reasons, then use the score as a tiebreaker. Two matches with similar scores can be very different opportunities — the badges and the deadline are usually more useful than the number itself.

How to improve your scores

• Keep your research areas and expertise current in Profile & Settings.
• Connect your ORCID so publications are picked up automatically.
• Upload your CV — the system extracts expertise terms and prior funding from it.
• Signal interest on opportunities that fit. Your responses help refine future matches.
• Mark mismatches as Not a Fit. That feedback also feeds the model.