Pablo Ares, a researcher at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics and the Condensed Matter Physics Research Center (IFIMAC) at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), dedicates his work to the study of two-dimensional materials and their applications. He explores how these structures behave at the nanometric scale, a field that combines physics, engineering, and new technologies. His career includes international research stays, high-impact publications, and a research line that has established him as an emerging figure in the field of material physics.
In 2024, his journey reached a decisive milestone: being awarded an ERC Starting Grant, one of the most prestigious grants from the European Research Council (ERC). With success rates of barely 15%, these grants are designed to help researchers with ambitious ideas consolidate their scientific independence, build teams, and access top-level resources.
“It’s one of the best ways to start your own laboratory. Even if you don’t need large equipment, the ERC gives you a key boost to grow as a researcher,” explains Ares.
A Journey Full of Learning
Reaching this point was not immediate. Pablo Ares applied three times before obtaining the grant. The first time, during the pandemic, was a solo effort that didn’t pass the initial stage. In his second attempt, with better preparation and a mock interview organized by Kveloce, he reached the final round, although he didn’t secure funding. That experience, however, allowed him to refine his proposal and his presentation strategy.
“The feedback from the external reviewers was very useful to rework the proposal. It helped me correct mistakes and strengthen the overall structure. It’s a long process, but every step teaches you something,” he recalls.
On his third attempt, everything clicked: a revised and solid proposal, a panel better aligned with his area, and a smooth interview tipped the balance. “Even during the defense, the panel highlighted their interest in my project. That gave me the feeling that the decision might already be partly made,” he points out.
Preparing for the Interview: The Value of Guidance
In the final phase, Pablo Ares once again worked with Kveloce for a mock interview adapted to the real ERC format. The training focused on his oral presentation and the design of visual materials.
“The feedback was decisive,” he emphasizes. “It wasn’t about changing everything but refining the key details that could make a difference. Adjusting the pace to speak more calmly, simplifying content to convey ideas clearly, and unifying the aesthetics of the slides not only improved the presentation but also gave me the confidence and fluency I needed to face the interview successfully.”
Although ERC interviews are primarily technical, Ares stresses the importance of communication: “Everything counts. A clear and polished presentation conveys confidence, and that also influences how the panel perceives you.”
A Turning Point
Receiving an ERC grant brings an immediate change in a researcher’s career. With this funding, Ares will be able to hire staff, acquire equipment, and access new laboratory spaces. But beyond the resources, there’s the prestige: “Even if you haven’t done anything yet, people already see you differently. It’s recognition that opens doors,” he explains.
Keys to Applying for an ERC
Looking back, Pablo Ares highlights two decisive factors: the experience gained from previous calls and the specific preparation for the interview. “The more mock interviews you do, the better prepared you are and the fewer surprises you face. And any external help that sets deadlines and guides you in structuring your proposal is always valuable,” he notes.
At Kveloce, we celebrate this achievement and reaffirm our commitment to providing strategic support for highly competitive calls like the ERC. Our goal is to offer every researcher the necessary tools to transform a solid idea into a competitive and successful proposal.
Pablo Ares
Ramón y Cajal Fellow & IFIMAC Group Leader at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
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