Applying and Running an ERC StG Ana Sunčana Smith IRB Zagreb, Croatia FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Physics at the interface with Biology Biological Membranes in Action A Unified Approach to Complexation, Scaffolding and Active Transport Ana Sunčana Smith FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

2001 Masters in PhysicsUniversity of Zagreb, CRO Australian National University, AUS Theoretical soft condensed matter PhD in Physics TU München, GER Experimental biomimetics PostDocStuttgart, GER; Sydney, AUS Theoretical biophysics Assistant Professor University Erlangen-Nürnberg, GER PULS Group 2012-Professor University Erlangen-Nürnberg, GER 22 papers 70 invited talks Collegium of the Bavarian Academy PI: Ana Sunčana Smith INTERNATIONAL & INTERDISCIPLINARY

ERC Grants Why to apply?

ERC Grants Are you excellent?

ERC Grants Are you excellent? 1.Did you contribute to a big paper at some stage? 2.Do you have a track record of independence? (group/students, funding, scientific result) 3. Do you have a good research idea? 4. Do you have published preliminary work? 5. Do you have a reputation? 6. Do you work on an excellent institution?

The application process Do your homework! 1.Read all the official documents and the evaluation criteria 2.Get second hand experience 3. Check successful grantees in your field 4. Check the old panels 5. CHOOSE A PANEL 6. GET HELP

Getting ready for the 1 st stage Write the grant 1.Fill in the on-line stuff well in advance 2.Use templates 3. Contact your institution officers 4. Write the proposal

Passing the 1 st stage Write your proposal Spend time with your CV – do not forget a single achievement, use smart language but no bluffing and images Education, Professional Experience, Awards, International Collaboration, Teaching and Supervision Activities, Funding ID, Key Publications, Dissemination record

Passing the 1 st stage Write your proposal 1.Spend time with your CV – do not forget a single achievement, use smart language but no bluffing (Education, Professional Experience, Awards, International Collaboration, Teaching and Supervision Activities, Funding ID, Key Publications, Dissemination record) 2.Use templates 3. Contact your institution officers 4. Write the proposal

Passing the 1 st stage Write your proposal novel, creative, make substantial advances in the frontiers of knowledge, and high-risk-high-gain projects, interdisciplinary Push the field of research Use new methods and techniques After 5 years, the grantee should be on top of the chosen field = conversion of the potential for excellence to excellence

Passing the 1 st stage Write your proposal Choose the scientific task (why, and why now) Explain why are you’re the person for the job (why you – use the state of the art) The proposal must be short, concise, crystal clear. No “noise”. Be ambitious but not over-reaching, theoreticians be warned! Leave yourself sufficient freedom

Passing the 1 st stage Write your proposal The auxiliary material is important (Risk, Novelty, Feasibility, Location, Collaboration, Time spent on the project, Budget – check local rules)

The 2 nd stage Write your proposal The proposal has to be understandable for experts as well as for generalists (counts also for the special terminology) Live up to the B1 (prepare B1-> B2->B1) The host institution- Why, Who, Equipment, IP, Support, Added Value (Management)

The 2 nd stage Write your proposal DO THE MAKE-UP WELL!!!! The referees have no time for you – put yourself into their shoes Every proposal has a soft spot – find it, cover it and hope for the best!

The 2 nd stage The interview Check the panel again – learn who is who Prepare your talk Practice over and over and over again Prepare you backup slides BE CONFIDENT AND FIGHT (uncomfortable interview is not a bad one, but a nice one may be worrisome)

After Acceptance Negotiate well -With the ERC -With your home institution TAKE YOUR TIME (look for people and equipment deals immediately - excellence is hard to find)

After signing the contract Enjoy -But think about the sustainability (ERC grants are not for life)