The ICMM hosts the 'proERC' event to promote the participation of CSIC personnel in European Research Council calls

Image

The Materials Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), hosted the 'pro-ERC' event on Monday, September 16. The event was organized by the International Programs Area of the CSIC’s Vice Presidency for International Relations to promote the participation of CSIC personnel in European Research Council (ERC) calls.

"One of the main challenges CSIC faces is retaining talent once a project funded by the ERC program has been obtained," explained the Vice Presidency. "At the same time, CSIC is also compelled to compete with other scientific organizations, both in Spain and across Europe, to attract researchers who have secured funding through this highly competitive program, particularly those in the early stages of their research careers," they added.

This dual challenge has led CSIC to design a strategy to position itself as an attractive scientific institution on the international stage. "In line with the initiatives already being implemented by the VRI to support the preparation of ERC project proposals, the Pro-ERC Program aims to identify the main factors hindering CSIC's success in ERC calls. It proposes initiatives that encourage CSIC researchers to apply to the various ERC schemes, assist them throughout the proposal preparation process, and help CSIC attract and retain researchers who have secured funding from any of the ERC schemes," the organization stated.

📢¡Recuerda! Hoy el #API_VRI organiza la jornada #Pro_ERC en el @icmm_csic para promover la participación en las convocatorias del @ERC_Research de @HorizonteEuropa 🇪🇺 https://t.co/mEqtMFICSq pic.twitter.com/3vJh14g3Z1

— Europeos CSIC (@Europeos_CSIC) September 16, 2024

The goal is to identify potential candidates, provide support in submitting proposals, and attract and retain ERC-funded researchers at CSIC. To this end, the event held at the Institute of Materials Science of Madrid showcased projects deemed ERC success stories "to familiarize attendees with the ERC program." In addition to introducing ERC calls through the ERC 2025 Work Program and presenting actions launched this year under the CSIC's Pro-ERC Program, the event also offered individual meetings with API-VRI technical staff for those interested in specific consultations regarding the preparation of their ERC proposal.