As announced in the March ACA Newsletter-Education Europe, the European Research Council (ERC), a pan-European funding organisation supporting research in all fields of science, launched an online call for “starting grants”, intended to support young researchers who have completed their doctoral studies and wish to establish their first research team or conduct their own independent research. This call has attracted wide attention and received a strong response amonst applicants.

This month, European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik expressed his satisfaction with the 9,167 application received,  calling this a vote of confidence from young researchers. The peer review panels will be working intensively in the coming months with the European Commission's ERC Dedicated Implementation Structure to ensure a smooth and fair evaluation process. At the same time, the detailed plans for the second ERC grant scheme will be developed.