Preparing an ERC application Dr John Burden Research Support Services

Which scheme? Starting GrantConsolidator 2-7 years PD experience7-12 years PD experience Develop independent careerScientific track record of great promise Transition from supervised research to independent research Consolidate independent research programme Establish research teamStrengthen independent research team that has been recently created Conduct independent, excellent research Up to 5 years Up to €1.5MUp to €2M

Which scheme? Starting GrantConsolidator 2-7 years PD experience7-12 years PD experience Develop independent careerScientific track record of great promise Transition from supervised research to independent research Consolidate independent research programme Establish research teamStrengthen independent research team that has been recently created Conduct independent, excellent research Up to 5 years Up to €1.5MUp to €2M

Publications – guidelines for each scheme Funding – collaborations, small amounts, fellowships Prizes and awards, patents Talks, presentations, workshops & visits (especially invited) Track record and evidence of Independence “Applicants are encouraged to evaluate their track-record and leadership potential against the above-mentioned benchmarks that have been adopted by the Scientific Council, in order to decide for themselves their likelihood for success, thus avoiding to invest effort in proposals that are very unlikely to succeed”

Publications Guidance Starting Grant significant publications (as main author) in major international peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journals, or in the leading international peer-reviewed journals of their respective field at least one important publication without the participation of their PhD supervisor. Consolidator Grant “several important publications without the participation of their PhD supervisor” “significant publications (as main author) in major international peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journals, or in the leading international peer-reviewed journals of their respective field. “

Need to develop a 5 year work programme tailored to the available resources How much of your salary will be included? How many years PDRA/Technician time Consumables & other lab costs to support work RSS will advise on costs and what staff could be employed Create a work programme to match the budget Finances will influence work programme

Work programme not single grant PDRA 2 PDRA 3 PDRA 1 Research Projects Overarching Research Theme Need to have a coherent research programme with several research projects suitable for the amount of staff time and resources requested

How to apply 2014 call deadlines; Starting Grants 25/3/14* Consolidator Grant3/6/14* (*Not confirmed but unlikely to change much) Once call announced Guide for applicants is available – Read thoroughly Electronic application system – Participant portal Tell RSS & Department you are planning to apply – internal review and procedures

Part A – Administrative forms A1 Summary of proposal & PI A2Host Institution details A3 Project costs Part BResearch Proposal Mandatory template must be used Strict page limits, font, font and margin size B1 Synopsis (5 pages) PI CV (2 pages) Track record (2 pages) B2Scientific proposal (15 pages) including state of the art, objectives, methodology, resources, ethical issues Supporting Documentation – Host institution supporting statement, PhD certificate Structure of application

Background –What is the context of the research? –Why is it important (Scientific excellence)? –What preliminary work? Aims –Research Question? –What do you want to do? –Why? (Scientific excellence, “at and beyond the frontiers of understanding “) Methodology –Detailed multi-page programme of research –Technical (not too technical) Outcomes –What will the research deliver –Be realistic, you are committing to deliver this –Basis of future career Justify resources requested B2 – Scientific proposal

In summary…… Start early; Build track record Establish collaborations Develop proposal with input from others Offer what the Funder wants; Fit research to funder criteria Understand the form & fill in correctly Excellent research, Independence, basis of future career Talk to RSS