The ERC Starting Grant is among Europe's most selective funding programs. Recent rounds fund roughly 14 to 15% of applications. Reaching Stage 2 is already a meaningful filter and a very promising sign.
ERC Starting Grant, at a glance. Prestigious EU funding for early-career researchers, awarded solely on scientific excellence. Typical award up to €1.5 million over five years, with up to €1 million extra for major costs including start-up costs. Source: ERC Starting Grant.
How the evaluation works. One submission, two stages. You apply once via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal: you submit Part A online plus two PDFs, Part B1, a 5-page extended synopsis and CV with track record, and Part B2, a 12-page detailed research plan. See the portal guide: Funding and Tenders guidance.
Step 1. The panel reviews Part B1 only. An expert panel screens the ideas and the PI's profile. Proposals rated sufficiently high are invited forward to Step 2.
Step 2. Full scientific review and interview. External referees review the full proposal, the panel interviews the PI, then ranks proposals for funding according to quality and available budget.
About ActivEAR. The goal of this project proposal is to identify the cellular mechanisms that drive the cochlea's "active process," the mechanism that makes hearing as we know it possible. A clear answer would close a long-standing gap in auditory biophysics.
I am grateful for thoughtful advice, sharp criticism, and steady encouragement from colleagues and friends. Onward to the interview; more soon.