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National Training Scheme Supporting ERC Starting & Consolidator Applicants in Hungary

ERC-MENTOR is an internationally aligned training program designed to strengthen the participation and competitiveness of early-career researchers from Hungary in ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants.
The scheme adopts best practices from leading European ERC preparation initiatives (e.g., the Czech Republic, Denmark, and the Netherlands) and adapts them to the local research ecosystem to enhance excellence, proposal quality, and researcher readiness.

Strategic relevance in a European context

  • Contributes to the broader goals of the European Research Area (ERA) by expanding participation in frontier research funding.
  • Supports the ERC mission to identify and empower outstanding early-career PIs capable of pursuing high-risk/high-gain research.
  • Strengthens cross-European competitiveness by developing robust proposal-writing skills and enhancing understanding of ERC evaluation procedures.
  • Builds national capacity in ERC-level research leadership, contributing to excellence-driven research cultures across Europe.

 

Program design

The program is organised into five sequential training stages, delivered across three disciplinary domains (PE / LS / SH), reflecting the ERC panel structure.

Capacity: approx. 45–50 participants annually, selected on merit and research potential.

1. Kick-off Meeting (Friday, 20 November 2026 14:00-16:00, HUN-REN KOKI, 1083 Budapest, Szigony u. 43.)

  • Introduction to ERC logic, evaluation criteria, and proposal structure.
  • Recruitment of candidates preparing for the 2027-2028 ERC calls.
  • Application: through filling the application form (click on 'Application' in the upper right corner), together with CV+one-page pitch. 

 

2–4. Core Workshops (March, May and September 2026)

Focus areas include:

  • Understanding ERC expectations regarding the groundbreaking nature, feasibility, and PI profile.
  • Reviewing successful ERC proposals and evaluating them from a panellist perspective.
  • Developing B1 and B2 drafts through multiple feedback rounds with experienced experts.
  • Short pitching sessions and domain-specific coaching for Starting/Consolidator requirements.
     

5. Mock Interviews (for Step-2 invitees)

  • Full simulation of ERC interviews with expert feedback on communication, clarity, and defence of the research vision.

 

ERC-MENTOR offers several benefits relevant to European institutions and partners:

  • Improved ERC participation from a Central and Eastern European member state, contributing to the balanced involvement in EU excellence programmes.
  • Reinforces the potential for transnational collaboration, as participants engage with internationally competitive research standards.
  • Prepares researchers for integration into European consortia, Horizon Europe projects, and global research networks.

 

Institutional involvement

We welcome cooperation with universities, research institutes, and international partners who:

  • Encourage talented early-career researchers to apply,
  • Support mobility and cross-border mentoring,
  • Recommend senior experts to contribute to the evaluation and training stages.

 

Impact on the European research landscape

  • An increased number of high-quality ERC proposals emerging from Hungary (EU13).
  • Strengthened research excellence and leadership skills at early career stages.
  • Expansion of a regional ecosystem that aligns with ERC excellence standards, contributing to a more competitive and integrated European Research Area.