Purpose and Scope:
The initiative is designed to boost FBK’s capacity for cutting-edge research by guiding researchers through the ERC grant application process via a one-year coaching program. It targets Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grant applicants.
Eligibility:
All FBK researchers (on permanent or fixed-term contracts), including post-docs, are eligible to apply.
Application Process (Deadline: June 30, 2025):
Applicants must submit:
A one-page pitch of their breakthrough idea (PDF)
A short CV (max two pages), including:
– h-index;
– education;
– key qualifications;
– current position(s);
– a list of up to 5 references to publications in top level conferences or journals that demonstrate how the applicant has advanced knowledge to carry out the proposed ERC idea.
Applications must be submitted via the provided Google Form.
Non-compliant submissions will be disqualified.
Selection (By August 1, 2025):
External ERC experts will evaluate submissions. A group of 15–20 promising applicants will be selected across various career stages. Additional documentation may be requested.
Coaching Program Structure:
September Workshop: Idea presentations and feedback from experts and peers.
Proposal Development (until Nov 1, 2025): Expand the idea into an ERC Part B1 proposal and ERC interview-style presentation.
November Workshop: Peer and expert feedback on ERC B1 proposal and interview presentation.
Final Coaching & Submission (From December 2025): One-on-one coaching leading to submission of proposals to ERC calls in 2026.
Participant Obligations:
Admitted candidates must:
Attend all training activities
Use the training to refine their ERC proposals
Meet program deadlines
Actively participate in workshops
Additional Notes:
Updates will be shared via FBK’s internal site and official channels.
Questions can be emailed to: [email protected] (at least 10 days before the June 30 2025 deadline).
Coaching Lead:
Prof. Frank van Harmelen, experienced ERC panel member, will lead the coaching.
How to apply?
Application for participation must be sent, under penalty of inadmissibility, starting from 9 a.m. on May 24, 2025, and until 5 p.m. on June 30, 2025 by filling out the Form, available at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ze82eLhmgfIhQniGVo-WHVcx3ksxrYKoKUNs4oy0ElI/preview
contact
ERC Ideas support
Additional informative content:
- ERC information website of the Europen Union.
- Andrea Micheli wins ERC Starting grant for frontier research in AI. Read on FBK Magazine.