25 researchers awarded ERC grants

“We want to congratulate the researchers. They have received grants in stiff competition from other researchers around Europe,” says Lena Renner at the Swedish Research Council. She is the national contact person for ERC.

The researchers awarded grants are active within humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering science and medicine. The research funds will last for around five years. The calls are issued once every year. The Starting Grant is intended for researchers awarded a doctoral degree 2–7 years ago. The Consolidator Grant is intended for researchers awarded a doctoral degree 7–12 years ago.

Can build up research teams

For Korinna Zapp, active within theoretical high-energy physics at Lund University, the Starting Grant means that she has the opportunity to build up a small research team in Lund. Anna Baranowska-Rataj, a sociologist at Umeå University, was also awarded a Starting Grant. Now she will be investigating whether effects on health resulting from unemployment spreads to other family members. With the grant, she can build up her own research team and create contacts with areas such as economics and cultural geography.

“My experience of the application process is positive. I received good coaching from the Grants Office staff at Umeå University,” she tells us.

The Swedish Research Council also offers coaching.

“We work to ensure more researchers apply for ERC grants. We usually hold training sessions for researchers applying, to help those who are selected for the interview phase of the evaluation,” says Sven Stafström, Director General of the Swedish Research Council.

Interview training for future ERC candidates

The application process for the ERC calls has two stages. Around 30 per cent of the written applications received are selected. These candidates are then interviewed by ERC panels in Brussels. The Swedish Research Council will offer interview training on 9 May to candidates who have applied and been selected for interviews in the 2019 ERC call.