In the competitive field of scientific research, obtaining a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) is a significant achievement. Guillermo González Rubio, a researcher from Madrid, has reached this milestone, standing out for his commitment and contributions to knowledge. At Kveloce, thanks to the collaboration with the Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d, we have had the honor of accompanying Guillermo in his application process, providing him with our expertise and strategic support. In this interview we talk about the challenges he has faced, his experience with our ERC services and his aspirations for the future in the field of research.
When and why did you decide to apply for an ERC grant?
The idea of applying for an ERC grant had been on my mind more or less consistently since shortly before I finished my doctorate in 2017, once I was certain I wanted to pursue an academic career. Securing an ERC Starting Grant provides a substantial increase in opportunities to begin establishing oneself as a recognised researcher. That said, I was always aware of the challenge it represented and understood that my chances would depend on my development as a postdoctoral researcher. This is why it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I truly felt I had gained enough experience to take on writing an ERC project proposal. A crucial factor in the final decision to apply was being able to come up with a project idea aligned with the ERC philosophy and well-suited to my research profile.
What were the pros and cons you considered?
There were several advantages, including the opportunity to establish my own research group and undertake more ambitious investigations, as well as the boost it would provide to my profile as a researcher, both nationally and internationally, with the ever-present aim of achieving job stability. The main drawback to consider was the significant amount of energy and time required to prepare the proposal, which takes several months.
How many times have you applied before finally receiving the ERC grant this year?
In my case, it was the first time I applied.
On this occasion, you participated in the interview preparation training given by Kveloce: What skills or knowledge did you acquire through the training? How would you improve the training content?
I would say that the most helpful knowledge I gained was related to the idea that, both in the presentation and in the Q&A session, it is important to use clear and simple language to convey a direct and understandable message to the audience. This approach makes it possible to communicate the potential of the project for advancing knowledge while also demonstrating my competencies to carry it out.
How did the Kveloce interview simulation service help you in your preparation for the interview with the European Research Council (ERC)?
Simulating the interview conditions was probably the most helpful aspect, as it allowed me to identify my main weaknesses in presenting my project, as well as how to respond adequately and concisely to the doubts and questions raised about it. The feedback I received after the simulation was also very useful in improving my presentation and expanding the list of potential questions I needed to prepare for.
What does the news about receiving the ERC grant mean to you?
It has been great news that has brought excitement to me, my family, and everyone who has supported and helped me throughout the years in developing as a researcher. That said, I admit that it took some time to fully absorb the news. I always thought it would be something hard to achieve, and now I must take on the responsibility of making the most of it.
How do you think the development of the ERC grant will impact your career?
I hope that, on the one hand, it will allow me to achieve job stability in the near future. On the other hand, I believe it will be a huge boost for my research, as I will have greater freedom to carry it out, enabling me to develop nanomaterials with properties of interest to the scientific community and society.
How would you summarise your experience with Kveloce in terms of the service received?
My experience has been very positive. I like to think that I have learned to be a better communicator and acquired knowledge that will definitely be useful for the future of my research career, especially when it comes to presenting the results of my research.
