ERC proposal writing workshop | Learn from ERC grantees: Crafting competitive proposals


Date:  Tuesday 12 May 2026 
Time:  13:30 – 17:30 
Location:  University of Luxembourg - Maison du Savoir (Campus Belval)
Auditoire MSA 3.010 

Register now

About the event

Join us for a workshop designed for prospective and current European Research Council (ERC) applicants in Luxembourg. This unique event provides the opportunity to learn directly from ERC grantees how to prepare a competitive application for the Starting (StG), Consolidator (CoG), and Advanced Grants (AdG).  

The European Research Council (ERC) is a key component of the EU's Horizon Europe programme, offering funding and support for frontier research. The ERC aims to encourage high-quality research in Europe through competitive funding and to support groundbreaking scientific projects across all disciplines.


Event Overview

This two-part ERC proposal writing workshop provides practical advice on proposal writing and addresses common challenges faced by applicants.
  • Session 1 (Open to all eligible applicants and researchers actively writing proposals to StG/CoG/AdG): Gain insights into how ERC proposals are assessed, understand the concept of "breakthrough research," and learn how to structure a clear and compelling proposal.
  • Session 2 (Restricted to researchers actively preparing their proposal, with pre-work submission): Engage in a mentoring format where participants receive targeted guidance from ERC grantees to refine their project concept and strengthen their applications.
The day will include presentations, peer-learning activities, and feedback sessions to ensure participants leave with actionable knowledge and skills.


Why attend?
  • Learn from experts about structuring a compelling ERC proposal.
  • Benefit from a unique learning and mentoring opportunity with ERC grantees.
  • Improve your chances of success by receiving personalised feedback on your application.

What will you gain from this event?
  • A deep understanding of the ERC proposal evaluation process.
  • Strategies to present breakthrough research.
  • Practical feedback to enhance your ERC application.

Speakers
  • Prof. Jan Lagerwall: Luxembourg’s Ambassador for the ERC and CoG and SyG grantee (University of Luxembourg)
  • Prof. Daniele Brida: CoG grantee and former panel member (University of Luxembourg)
  • ERC Grantee to be confirmed


Event Agenda

11:30 - 11:40
Welcome and Introduction - Clarissa Gomes, Luxinnovation
11:40 - 13:05
Session 1: Thinking like reviewers and panellists
- ERC evaluation – Prof. Daniele Brida - Deconstructing a breakthrough proposal – Prof. Jan Lagerwall - Proposal narrative structure - ERC Grantee to be confirmed - Q&A
13:05 - 13:20
Coffee break
13:20 - 15:30
Session 2: Proposal mentoring (restricted to active applicants)
- Parallel mentoring sessions - Applicant pitch of proposal concept - Structured feedback from Grantee - Group questions, suggestions

Sign up now to maximise your potential for success with ERC grants!


Venue

Address

University of Luxembourg - Campus Belval - Auditoire MSA 3.010
Maison du savoir 
2 Av. de l'Universite
4365 Belval Esch-sur-Alzette

Access

By public transport 
By train: Belval-Université, which can be reached by regional and national trains, please visit the website of the railway company CFL. 
By bus:  To plan your trip and check the timetables, please visit the public transport website mobiliteit.lu.
  • Belval-Université, 3 minutes by foot 
  • Esch-Sur-Alzette, Av. Du Rock'N'Roll,1 minute by foot 
  • Belval, Porte de France, 5 minutes by foot 
Parking 
If you plan to come by car, here are three examples of parkings available nearby: 
  • CFL parking 
  • Delhaize parking 
  • University of Luxembourg parking