Veranstaltung: How to prepare a competitive proposal for an ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant

Focused Pre-Workshop Activity centred on the preparation of a one-page ERC project outline, followed by an online Live Workshop
 

Registration via GRIPS as of 1 Oct 2026 (externer Link, öffnet neues Fenster)
 

Programme overview

ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants require more than a strong research project and general proposal-development competence. Applicants need to demonstrate that an ambitious frontierresearch project, their applicant profile and track record, scientific independence and the timing of an application form a credible case for ERC funding.

This specialist programme supports participants in assessing their ERC readiness and understanding how their project and profile are evaluated within the ERC framework. Participants examine frontier-research ambition, scientific independence and research leadership, as well as ERC-specific eligibility, panel selection, the two-step evaluation process and the distinct functions of B1, B2, the CV and Track Record.

Working with their own one-page ERC project outline, participants refine their ERC proposition and determine an appropriate next step: preparing for an upcoming call, developing the project or profile further, or pursuing another funding route.
 

Who the programme is for

The programme is designed for researchers considering an ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant who already have a sound foundation in proposal development. 

It is particularly relevant for researchers with a recognisable independent research direction, an emerging track record and a potentially ERC-relevant project who want to assess whether their project, profile and timing form a credible case for ERC funding.
 

Key areas

• ERC readiness, applicant profile and strategic fit
• Frontier-research ambition, scientific independence and research leadership
• ERC eligibility, panel selection and two-step evaluation
• ERC proposal architecture: B1, B2, CV and Track Record
• One-page ERC project outline and strategic next steps
   

What participants take away

Participants develop a clearer basis for deciding how to proceed with a potential ERC application: they assess their ERC readiness, refine their ERC proposition and define an appropriate next step - preparing for an upcoming call, developing the project or profile further, or pursuing another funding route.
 

Facilitators

Dr. Brigitte Weiss-Brummer is a specialist in European research funding and ERC proposal development. She headed the EU Office at LMU Munich from 2008 to 2017 and has supported more than 100 successful ERC proposals since the programme was introduced. Her work focuses on ERC proposal preparation, interview training, mock panels and specialist individual consultation.

Dr. Thomas Koch is the founder of Academic Futures and works at the intersection of research strategy, research funding and researcher development. A physical chemist by training, he combines international research experience with senior roles in research management and university administration at LMU Munich and Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Since 2016, he has worked independently as a consultant, trainer and coach for universities and research institutions.