In the vibrant European research landscape, where inquiring minds are constantly seeking to challenge the status quo and explore new horizons of knowledge, the European Research Council (ERC) programme, the flagship programme for excellent science articulated by the European Commission, stands out. It is an ambitious commitment to cutting-edge research, to the promotion of brilliant careers, with a huge impact on scientific knowledge. In recent years, at Kveloce we have worked to position ourselves as a leading consultancy in our country and abroad to help research staff to achieve success in this competitive programme.
These are some of the examples that illustrate the disruptive and ambitious nature of the projects, which allow us to go deeper into aspects such as:
- Understanding how sulfur arrived on our planet millions of years ago to better comprehend the origin of life and provide a new angle for the study of planet formation.
- Exploring new techniques for developing quantum sensors that contribute to advances in dark matter detection, a true scientific challenge.
- Unraveling the role of biological and hormonal processes, as well as emotional and psychological ones, in brain development from its fetal stage to two years of age.
- Reinterpreting prehistoric findings by better understanding the behavior of scavenger animals and how they altered the remains and artifacts studied over decades.
Moreover, this basic research is fundamental to broadening our understanding of human biology. In a few years, the knowledge generated today through the ERC will be translated into new therapies and preventive strategies that will improve people’s quality of life. Several examples can be found on the programme’s website: All science stories | ERC (europa.eu).
How the ERC programme works: its many bright spots and the shadow of a very high level of competitiveness
The European Research Council (ERC) was created by the EU in 2007 and has increasingly positioned itself as the main source of funding for excellent science. With more than €16 billion (with b!) of budget allocated in Horizon Europe, it represents approximately 17% of the total Horizon Europe budget. This financial allocation not only underlines the ERC’s importance and impact, but also consolidates its position as a key pillar in the advancement of knowledge in Europe.
Beyond the financial investment dedicated to the programme, there are other features that make it particularly interesting. First, the research topics and content proposed to the ERC programme are completely free, open and flexible, known in European programme jargon as ‘bottom up’. Any scientific content is eligible for funding, although for operational purposes, the programme distinguishes between different evaluation panels that differentiate between physical and engineering sciences, life sciences and social sciences.
Secondly, there are different modalities depending on the candidate’s stage in his or her research career, differentiating between Starting (initial, up to 7 years after reading the doctoral thesis), Consolidator (between 7 and 12 years after reading the doctoral thesis) and Advanced (any researcher at any stage of his or her career), so that the proportionality in the struggle for success is balanced.
On the other hand, the programme is individual and is linked to the researcher who applies for it. In other words, it is not conditioned by the institution with which the project is applied for, nor does it require the creation of a consortium of multiple European institutions, as is the case in most of the major calls for European R&D&I funding. There is a single exception, the ERC Synergy call, where up to 4 researchers can join forces to present synergistic research.
All this results in highly personal, disruptive and ambitious projects that represent a before and after in the research career of any recipient of this recognition. The funding received ranges from €1.5 million for the most novel trajectories (Starting) to €2.5 million for the most advanced (Advanced), plus an additional budget of up to €1 million if the research requirements duly justify it.
With these characteristics, since its creation, the ERC has funded more than 15,000 projects, recognising researchers of 93 nationalities who carry out their scientific work in Europe, thus promoting diversity and international collaboration in the scientific field. Several early-career awardees are among the recipients of the ERC grant.
However, accessing funding is challenging due to the high level of competition. In the last call for proposals, 2023, 6655 researchers participated in the 3 individual categories and more than 750 projects were approved, with an average success rate of 13.9% in the Advanced category and 14.8% in the Early Stage category. Thus, only the most ground-breaking projects with the greatest potential scientific impact can obtain this coveted grant.
And it is in this competitive landscape where Kveloce, with headquarters in Valencia and international headquarters in Brussels, has become a strategic partner for researchers and scientific institutions that want to apply for the best funding programme in Europe for their research projects. At Kveloce we have supported more than 250 research projects since 2018, reaching this milestone with the recent 2024 call (still pending full closure of resolutions). In this same period, 50 proposals have been funded, including 17 Advanced Grants (AdG), 18 Consolidator Grants (CoG), 12 Starting Grants (StG) and 4 Synergy Grants (SyG). According to the people who have placed their trust in Kveloce, our support has been fundamental to the success of their projects.
Preparing for Success: Kveloce’s Strategy in the ERC Programme
Understanding the evaluation system and its intricacies is absolutely essential to increase the slim but feasible chances of success. The evaluation of proposals consists of several stages. Initially, a concise summary of the research and the applicant’s CV are reviewed. Those that are successful in capturing the reviewers’ attention move on to a more detailed stage, where an extended version of the proposal is examined. If the reviewers are convinced at this stage, they move on to a panel interview, where the proposal is presented and questions are answered. Throughout this process, the ability to communicate and connect with the audience is as crucial as the scientific content itself.
Thus, the services offered by Kveloce are designed to contribute to the success of this elite research scavenger hunt. A strategic review of the initial research idea is one of the cornerstones. A critical and detailed analysis of the approach and scope, ambition and originality of the scientific proposal, with a thorough understanding of the evaluation criteria and knowledge of multiple examples of funded proposals, is key to making key recommendations and suggestions to researchers to enhance its strengths and improve its quality.
We not only provide initial strategic advice, but also offer a range of complementary services. This includes the review of proposals at different stages, either in the intermediate phases or after they are finalised. In addition, we provide graphic support to improve the presentation and reinforce the scientific-technical content, ensuring that every proposal, every application, is convincing and attractive.
In addition, at Kveloce we are dedicated to preparing researchers to successfully present themselves in front of panelists at their interviews, a key moment in securing funding for their projects. We offer training in effective communication techniques and organise simulations that recreate the real environment of these interviews. Through this approach, each candidate receives the preparation they need to meet this challenge with confidence and skill, ensuring that their research gets the opportunity it deserves.
With a meticulous approach, an undeniable passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ success, we claim our origins in the world of scientific research. All to ensure that researchers today receive the resources they need to fund the research of tomorrow. At Kveloce, we position ourselves as the essential partner for research staff aspiring to shine in the ERC programme, offering specialised services that go beyond the conventional and ensure outstanding preparation.
