The ERC, (European Research Council) is the European funding organization dedicated to supporting cutting-edge frontier research. ERC empowers innovative researchers across Europe by funding projects that push the boundaries of knowledge.
Since 2007, the ERC has funded 12,000+ projects and 10,000+ researchers, evaluated 100,000+ proposals, leading to 2,200+ patents and IP applications, 200,000+ scientific articles, and garnered 14 Nobel Prizes, among others, with 850+ research institutions hosting grantees of 85+ nationalities. Led by an independent Scientific Council, currently presided over by Maria Leptin, the ERC operates under the Horizon Europe scheme, with a budget exceeding €16 billion from 2021 to 2027.
In response to evolving needs, the Scientific Council of the ERC has introduced a few new changes in the evaluation processes and forms for the 2024 research proposal calls. Here’s a concise breakdown of the key modifications and their implications:
- Removal of Required ‘Profiles’ for ERC Principal Investigators (PIs): the description of mandatory ‘profiles’ for ERC PIs has been eliminated from the Work Programme. This adjustment aims to underscore the qualitative essence of ERC evaluations, with a heightened focus on the proposed research project itself.
- Integration of CV and Track Record into a Single Template: formerly separate documents, the Curriculum Vitae (CV) and track record are now amalgamated as a unified template within the application form. This streamlining facilitates a more cohesive presentation of the applicant’s credentials and achievements, enhancing clarity and efficiency in evaluation.
- Enhanced Focus on Scientific Excellence: proposals will continue to be appraised based on the sole criterion of scientific excellence. Evaluation panels will prioritize assessing the ground-breaking nature, ambition, and feasibility of the research project. Simultaneously, attention will be directed towards evaluating the intellectual capacity and creativity of the applicant, emphasizing scientific expertise and capability to execute the project successfully.
- Consideration of Additional Applicant Information: evaluation panels will take into account supplementary information provided by applicants. This additional context aids panels in comprehensively evaluating the research achievements and peer recognition of applicants.
These changes collectively foster a more holistic and comprehensive evaluation process. By eliminating rigid ‘profiles’ and integrating CV and track record templates, applicants are empowered to offer a fuller account of their research careers and contributions. The renewed emphasis on scientific excellence and the inclusion of additional applicant information aligns with ERC’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing frontier research across Europe.
In conclusion, these updates reflect the ERC’s dedication to continual improvement and adaptability, ensuring that its evaluation system remains responsive to the evolving landscape of scientific research and innovation.
