The EU Mentoring Network was initiated by the Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Dr Monika Stoll, and Professor Dr Ryan Gilmour, who also serves as the chair of the programme. It provides structured support to researchers at career stages R2 and R3 throughout the entire application process for ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants. The network is coordinated by the Zukunftslabor.
The European Research Council (ERC) funds fundamental, ground-breaking, cutting-edge research. Funding is not tied to a specific topic and is open to all subject areas and disciplines. The decisive criteria for the approval of funding are the excellence of the research programme and the applicant´s track record. ERC Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grants are personalised, portable grants.
Applications can only be submitted during an open call. Calls are usually opened annually.
Starting Grants
Starting Grants can only be awarded to individuals between two and seven years after obtaining their doctoral degree. An extension of this period may be granted in individual cases due to parental leave, long-term illness, or other circumstances.
The funding amount is up to 1.5 million euros for the duration of the project (up to five years).
Consolidator Grants
Consolidator Grants can only be awarded to individuals between seven and twelve years after the award of the doctoral degree. An extension of this period may be granted in individual cases due to parental leave, long-term illness, or other circumstances.
The funding amount is up to 2.5 million euros for a project duration of up to five years.
The EU Mentoring Network targets doctoral early-career researchers with an outstanding academic track record. It is specifically aimed at researchers at career stages R2 and R3. According to the European Framework for Research Careers, these are defined as:
R2 – Recognised Researchers: PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent, and
R3 – Established Researchers: Researchers who have developed a significant level of independence.
ERC Starting Grants are available to promising researchers between two and seven years after completion of their PhD. This eligibility window may be extended under certain circumstances, such as parental leave or other exceptional situations. To be competitive, applicants must already have demonstrated scientific excellence and independence through peer-reviewed publications in their field.
ERC Consolidator Grants are aimed at established experts in their research domain and can be applied for between seven and twelve years after completing the PhD. This timeframe may also be extended due to parental leave or other relevant circumstances.
The EU Mentoring Network is organised in annual classes. Mentees receive continuous support throughout the entire application process from both the consultants at ERS GmbH and their personal academic mentors. A comprehensive training programme provides detailed guidance on all components of the application, offers insight into the evaluation panels, and prepares participants for the interview stage. Beyond supporting the application process, the programme also contributes to raising the visibility of participating researchers and the wider researcher community both within and beyond the University of Münster, and aims to foster stronger networking and collaboration among them.
As experienced researchers with considerable experience in EU projects, mentors support and advise the early-career researchers throughout the entire application phase. As part of a tandem mentoring approach consisting of a mentor from a related discipline and a mentor from another discipline, participants work closely with the ERS GmbH advisors, who provide professional support throughout the application process.
The mentors maintain personal contact with mentees throughout the application process, provide strategic advice and offer insights into their experiences with applications and selection interviews.
European Research Services (ERS) GmbH has proven expertise in advising on ERC application formats. Professional application advisors support and optimise the mentees' entire application process by providing needs-oriented and relevant training and advice. ERS consultants work in a close network together with the mentors.
The advisors at ERS GmbH offer the mentees a differentiated insight into the assessment process. The mentees gain an insight into the criteria used by reviewers to categorise and evaluate previous academic achievements and project applications.
The ERS GmbH training programme provides information and knowledge about the application process, the panels in the selection procedure and the components of the application. The working sessions provide a sound introduction to all parts of the application. In addition, extensive information materials are provided and assistance is given with all parts of the application, such as budgeting.
The ERS GmbH consultants are available as contact persons at all times, comment on parts of the application, provide support in complying with the necessary administrative processes and prepare for the selection interviews.
The call for applications for the Class of 2026 in the EU Mentoring Network is now open. The application deadline is 1 September 2025, and the programme will begin on 1 November 2025.
Please submit your complete application documents by 1 September 2025 to agnes.laba@uni-muenster.de
Your application should include: