ERC General Information 2021

ERC General Information

All information concerning the European Research Council (ERC) can be found on the ERC website https://erc.europa.eu/

Please see the following excellent instructional videos produced by the European Research Council which explain the general procedures behind the preparation of a proposal to the Starting Grant, Consolidator grant, or Advanced Grant calls.

Video 1: Step by Step Guide to the ERC Application Process

Step by Step to the ERC application process

This is a quick and simple video explaining which researchers are eligible to apply for European Research Council grants, at what points in their career, what type of grants we offer, how ERC grant proposals are evaluated - plus all the basics to help you decide when and how you could apply!

Video 2: How to get started with your ERC proposal

How to get started with your ERC proposal

In this video, we will walk you through 7 things to consider before applying for an ERC grant. You need to be strategic in your career, and writing an application takes a lot of time and effort. However, an ERC grant offers independence and recognition. You can research a topic of your own choice, with your own team. It will increase your visibility, help you access large facilities, buy the necessary equipment, attract the best team members and collaborators and bring additional funding.

Video 3: How to write Part 1 of your ERC proposal

How to write Part 1 of your ERC proposal

In this video, we will be talking about the more research-focused part of the ERC application. If you’re considering applying for an ERC grant, you may already know that an application is made up of three parts: part A, part B1 and part B2. Here, we will look into the 3 sections that make up the second part of your application, part B1, and give you some practical tips.

Video 4: How to write part B2 of your ERC proposal

How to write part B2 of your ERC proposal

In this video, we will talk about the scientific part of the proposal that is referred to as part B2. This is the part where the panel dig deep into your proposal. In this video, we will cover what to consider when writing part B2.

Video 5: How are ERC proposals evaluated?

In this video we will walk you through the ERC evaluation process. You might think that this is not very relevant, but it actually indirectly impacts on how you write your proposal. Imagine that you have sent your proposal. What happens next? What’s going on behind the scenes while you are waiting for a decision? Let’s go through the 7 phases of the ERC evaluation process.

Video 6: ERC Interview Process

ERC Interview Process

In this video, we will walk you through the ERC interview process, so that you can feel a little more prepared. At the end of the video, we will also give you 8 top tips for a good ERC interview. ERC interviews have quite a reputation and can be nerve-wracking. If you watch this video, you’ll have a much better appreciation of what you will be faced with.

ERC Projects

COSAS - Controlling Oxygen Selectivity at the Atomic Scale

Specific programme: HORIZON ERC Grants
UPV/EHU Partner Status: Coordinator
UPV/EHU PI: Sara Barja

Project start:  01/09/2023
Project end: 31/08/2028

Brief description: Developing new materials with optimized catalytic properties is a crucial challenge towards sustainable energy production. In order to achieve this long-standing goal, fundamental understanding of the processes taking place at the electrode-electrolyte interface is vital. Progress here requires a comprehensive atomic-scale picture of the fundamental chemical and catalytic properties of surfaces, in connection to their macroscopic catalytic performance. This knowledge remains hindered due to the complexity of real catalytic systems and the lack of experimental techniques that can provide information of the catalytic process from single-molecule interaction to operando conditions. The project COSAS focuses on the electrochemical water oxidation to hydrogen peroxide and seawater electrolysis. It proposes an atomistic study of the electrode-electrolyte surface to unveil the key parameters for selective activation of alternative reaction paths for water oxidation. The experimental approach of the project represents a novel quasi-in situ electrochemical characterization (near ambient pressure x-ray photoemission spectroscopy), combined with atomic-scale access to the electronic structure (scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy) on the very same sample. The project will study thin films of transition metal oxides as model systems for exploring structure-function relationships, while presenting catalytic relevance for oxygen related reactions. The unique methodology of the project promises novel atomistic insight in the mechanism behind complex reactions with multiple intermediates, unveiling key parameters that can guide the design of active and selective electrocatalysts for cost-effective water electrolysis.