mERCury Project Workshop: Towards an ERC Starting Grant: from promising idea to competitive proposal
Within the mERCury project, an ERC National Contact Points network initiative, an online workshop will be organized for researchers preparing applications for the ERC Starting Grant call. The event will focus on how breakthrough ideas can be developed into competitive proposals, as well as provide insights and recommendations on proposal evaluation processes. Experienced ERC Principal Investigators and panel members will join as speakers.
You can register for the event via the link below. The same link will also provide access to the live stream on YouTube. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A sessions.
Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Time: 10:00–12:30 (Central European Summer Time) / 11:00–13:30 (Türkiye Time)
Registration: Click here to register (deadline: 25 June 2026)
Platform: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF2J2czN75Q (accessible without registration)
For any questions regarding the event, please contact us at ncperc@tubitak.gov.tr.
Towards an ERC Starting Grant: from promising idea to competitive proposal
AGENDA
*Time intervals are indicated in Central European Summer Time (CEST).
10:00 – 10:10 Welcome and mERCury project presentation
10:10 – 11:10 Session 1: What makes a Starting Grant project ERC-level?
moderated by Katarzyna Kubica-Oroń ERC NCP
Inputs from ERC grantees and Ambassador for ERC:
Prof. Mihaela Constantinescu, Prof. Anna Siekierka, Prof. Michal Smetana, Prof. Carlos Anerillas Aljama11:10 – 11:20 Q&A
11:20 – 12:20 Session 2: How is an ERC Starting Grant proposal evaluated?
moderated by Antonino Puglisi ERC NCP
Proposal structure, CV and track record, evaluation process – Olympe Grandcolas Co-Call Coordinator for the ERC Starting Grant
Panel discussion with ERC panel members: How panels assess the PI: potential of scientific independence. What makes a proposal stand out positively? What are the most common weaknesses?
Prof. Zoi Lygerou, Prof. Mike Burton, Prof. Corinna Rossi12:20-12:30 Q&A