Network offers support in applying for ERC grants
In many cases, financial support from the European Union makes a considerable contribution to the quality and scope of scientific projects. However, the process of making applications – in particular for grants from the European Research Council (ERC) – represents something of a challenge for many researchers. It is for this reason that, from November and for the third time, the University of Münster will be offering an EU Mentoring Network in which a 14-strong team of advisors will be providing support for researchers. “What we want to do is provide researchers with the tools necessary for making their applications in order to raise their chances of success as much as possible,” says Prof. Ryan Gilmour, who set up the programme with the Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Monika Stoll, and has been chairing the network since then. Anyone interested can apply immediately, with a specific idea, for a place in the Future Lab for the next cohort.
In comparison with national funding – for example in the form of applications to the German Research Foundation (DFG) for equipment and materials – ERC grants have a different dimension. They have a duration of five years and have a significantly higher financial value: in the best possible case, a Starting Grant can provide 1.5 million euros for research work. “This money gives researchers an enormous amount of freedom to work more intensively on topics,” says communications scientist Prof. Thorsten Quandt, one of the mentors. As Ryan Gilmour adds, “ERC grants enhance the reputation of the University on the international stage and are a valuable addition to any researcher’s CV.” The drawback is that competition for these coveted ERC grants is stronger than in the case of applications for domestic funding. The success quota is often only about ten percent. “Nevertheless, I am convinced that any projects which researchers are engaged on with heart and soul, and which differ in some way from normal research programmes, have a good chance of obtaining an ERC grant,” says Thorsten Quandt, who was awarded an Advanced Grant in June.
The programme provides for people who were successful with ERC applications in the past to offer advice and support to anyone interested today – from help in describing the research project to preparing for the interview in the selection process. “We want to pass on our experience and motivate others to see the elaborate applications process through,” says Thorsten Quandt, who for eight years was a member of the Assessment Board for Consolidator Grants. As part of the mentoring programme, European Research Services GmbH (ERS) also offers several training courses every year.
Dr. Line Næsborg, a chemist who heads a working group at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, is a mentee in the current Class of 2025. “The biggest challenge I have is in finding enough time at one stretch to write the application,” says the mother of two. “The network helps by setting out structured, attainable targets and giving feedback on an idea for an application.” She plans to submit an application for an ERC grant towards the end of this year.
Applications to the network:
Applications from all researchers at career levels R2 and R3 to join the Class of 2026 can be made immediately; the deadline is September 1. Applicants should already have a specific idea for an ERC grant. All information on the application procedure can be found online.
Author: Linus Peikenkamp
This article is from the University newspaper wissen|leben No. 5, 16 July 2025.