Since the European Research Council (ERC) 2024 work programme is expected to be officially adopted in July 2023, the ERC wished to highlight, on Friday 28 April, some of the changes proposed by the ERC Scientific Council regarding the evaluation of calls for proposals.
In terms of research evaluation, the ERC juries will mainly assess the innovative qualities and feasibility of the research project. The juries will ensure that the project leader applicant has the level of excellence and expertise required to successfully complete the proposed project.
Furthermore, regarding the application modalities, as announced by the ERC in December 2022 (see EUROPE 13087/28), the ERC work programme will no longer include binding detailed profiles of the principal investigators.
In the application, in addition to providing standard biographical information, the applicant will be asked to list key research findings.
In addition, the curriculum vitae and their “track record” will be merged into a single document. The applicant also has the option to include additional information about their background.
Among other changes, the ERC is expected to award Advanced Grants in 2024 as a single lump sum contribution, calculated on the basis of the work that is completed and reported for the whole project. Additional funding may be requested to cover such costs as the purchase of equipment or access to research facilities. This additional funding will also be included in the flat-rate contribution.
In addition, applicants who have been selected under ERC calls will once again have the option to request to transfer all or part of their grant to a new beneficiary.
Finally, the ERC Scientific Council has agreed on a provisional timetable for the calls.
Link to the indicative calendar: https://aeur.eu/f/6m8 (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)