What defines my "potential long term contribution"?

For the first time in my life I'm trying to write a scholarship essey, needed for an "Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship".

In the committee's criteria they state: "The key criterion in evaluation and ranking applications is the potential for long-term contribution to the field of optics, photonics or related field."

So, here's my question: how do you think they'll evaluete who has such potential, and who not?

I believe some favorable points will surely be past achievements in the academic field and active partecipation in optic releted extracurricular activities, but what about my personality?

Which traits should I underline?

Well.... I guess they would evaluate your potential by looking at your overall application. They may judge you on your credentials, experience, commitment, passion, and your short term & long term goals. They may be ranking candidates as per their ranking criteria. Since they emphasize on the fact of long term contribution to the field, they may have more focus on your long term goals, but certainly would assess you to be sure whether you have enough background and capability to pursue your goals.

past achievements in the academic field and also profound knowledge and enthusiam in that field help him to work in that field

Thank you so much for your prompt reply, Dumi! I'm afraid my long term goals are kind of vague, but still I'll try my best being convincing! I'll soon post my essey! Hope you'll help me again!

Thanks, Davabe! I think being enthusiastic is definitely a good idea :)