ERC Support Programme for SH applicants

Royal Irish Academy – Excellent Science in the Humanities Event – 21st January 2015

Mr. Paul Kilkenny, European Programmes Manager

ERC National Contact Point for Social Sciences & Humanities

Context – National Strategy for Horizon 2020

“The Irish Research Council will play a particular role in supporting the AHSS community in addition to supporting and cultivating the broader community across all disciplines to engage in cross and interdisciplinary research..” P.14

Context – Mission of Irish Research Council – ERC Fit

“the Council looks forward to playing our distinct role in creating a system where new and novel ideas, and the fantastic people who come up with them, can compete and obtain support. We also, through our emphasis on developing the skills of the individual, look forward to assisting the cultivation of creative and innovative people who can translate new ideas and knowledge into benefits for society.”

“New Horizons” Programme – Overall Objectives

» The ‘New Horizons’ programme will provide innovative project funding to support emerging researchers in AHSS through a basic research ‘Starter Grant’ scheme open to researchers from any AHSS discipline.

» The scheme will also provide significant funding enabling AHSS researchers to incubate (and lead) in the short term, collaborative interdisciplinary projects with STEM researchers, which will specifically target medium term opportunities in the Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges pillar.

“New Horizons” STRAND 1

I. To allow promising ASSH researchers to develop track record in basic fundamental research

II. Provide seed funding for researchers interested in applying for a European Research Council grant in the medium term

Starting Grant – Value €100,000 approx. Non-prescriptive, researcher led topic – AHSS only. 15 months.

New Horizons– Interdisciplinary Projects – STRAND 2

I. To encourage ASSH researchers with existing track record to initiate leading incubation projects with STEM researchers that address thematic priorities of societal challenges of Horizon 2020

II. To build on existing national and international networks to develop pilot studies, prepare preliminary data and establish competitive consortiums on upcoming topics across all societal challenges

Interdisciplinary Grant – Value €200,000 (approx.). Prescribed by Societal Challenge themes. AHSS & STEM. AHSS Led. 15 – 24 months.

Basic Research Excellence Award - Objective

In order to support the growing number of applications to SH panels, the Council will be provide a “Basic Research Excellence Award”

This fund is intended to develop the potential of near successful SSH applicants to the ERC by providing immediate financial support for reapplication. A bona fide intention to reapply to the ERC within 18 months must be undertaken by the applicant to avail of this support

Basic Research Excellence Award – Details

Awards will be made to each ‘A’ rated ERC application on the condition of on a bona fide intention to reapply to ERC within 18 months.

Starter : €60,000 Consolidator: €75,000Advanced: €100,000

Typical costs supported will include teaching buyout, consultancy, travel and overhead (capped at 20%)

Practical Support

Review of applications for preparation support to Enterprise Ireland

Advice on closeness of fit to ERC Work Programme for each of the Starter, Consolidator, Advanced & Proof of Concept Schemes

Mock interview for Stage 2 applications for Starter and Consolidator. Sourcing of experts for detailed review of application and interlocution on key aspects of project preparedness including: Preliminary data and investigation/pilots Management Plan Team selection rationale Risks & Contingencies.

New Horizons– Timeline 2015

New Horizons STRAND 1. and STRAND 2. calls opening toward end of Q.2. Pre-announcement end of Q.1

Basic Research Excellence Award: Upon application by ERC ‘A’ Rated applicant – Rolling {Subject to available budget}

Overall Success in ERC 2014 for Starter Grants: Excellent Conversion Rate

Applications Awards Success rate

Switzerland (CERN) 1 1 100.0%Israel 99 27 27.3%Ireland 47 8 17.0%France 256 43 16.8%Germany 425 70 16.5%Netherlands 212 34 16.0%Austria 87 11 12.6%Denmark 88 11 12.5%Turkey 16 2 12.5%Serbia 9 1 11.1%United Kingdom 566 55 9.7%