The Forethought criteria categories, writ large, are "Regional Collaboration" , "Impactful", "Innovative", "Achievable", and "Enduring and Recognizable." 

See their descriptions below:

Regional Collaboration

  • Future-focused
  • Multilateral

Impactful

  • Critical regional/Triangle priority
  • Nationally and globally transformational

Innovative

  • Interdisciplinary
  • Larger than any one institution

Achievable

  • Research leadership
  • Advances RTI’s mission

Enduring and Nationally Recognizable

  • Sustainable 
  • Will attract new resources