Elevate your ERC proposal and transform potential into success!

ERC Proposal review

ERC Grants provide an exceptional opportunity for distinguished researchers to pursue groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of their fields. These calls, which prioritise scientific excellence, create a highly competitive environment where innovation and distinctiveness are essential for standing out. With precision and effective communication as core requirements, proposals must clearly convey their scientific vision and set themselves apart during evaluation. Recognising these challenges, we leverage our expertise to support researchers across all ERC grant calls.

We specialise in the Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, and Synergy Grant calls.

Our services are tailored to each candidate’s unique needs, whether it’s a single, in-depth review of an advanced draft or ongoing, iterative feedback and support up to the official deadline.

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Key review aspects

The following examples highlight some of the key factors we prioritize in our assessment of ERC applications.

Project vision

We examine the presence of a well-defined scientific challenge, major research question, or knowledge gap that underscores the project, emphasizing its importance, urgency, and relevance. Our review assesses the proposal’s ambition in scientific advancements, the introduction of novel concepts and methodologies beyond current standards, the potential for significant breakthroughs, and its capacity to cross disciplinary lines, setting a foundation for future exploration.

Objectives Alignment

Our review focuses on ensuring that the project objectives precisely align with the ambitious vision, each step clearly contributing to the overarching aim. They should be ambitious enough to impress the evaluators, while carefully considering the project’s scope to avoid perceptions of fragmentation.
We emphasize clear articulation to avoid generality, opting for verifiable objectives that facilitate a more precise assessment of what constitutes a positive outcome.

Balancing Feasibility and Risk

We assess the balance between the project’s high-risk yet ambitious research and its potential for significant outcomes. This evaluation considers the project’s timeliness and any preliminary results to ensure feasibility without suggesting mere incremental progress. The PI’s expertise and track record are closely examined to confirm their capability to lead and innovate, ensuring the project is well-positioned to overcome challenges and achieve groundbreaking results.

Structure, Language, and Flow

The success of a proposal is critically dependent on the clarity and organization of its presentation, as even well-conceived ideas can falter if not communicated effectively. We focus on enhancing coherence across all project components, advocating for the use of clear, persuasive language without unnecessary repetition. We assess how well the narrative aids evaluators’ understanding, ensuring the proposal not only communicates its significance effectively but also distinguishes itself within the highly competitive ERC landscape.

Additional services

ERC Seminars and Workshops

Build a strong foundation for your ERC journey, from conceptual design to competitive proposal with our tailored guidance.

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ERC Interview Coaching

Navigate the ERC interview process with confidence, gaining the insights and strategies to present your research vision effectively.