About the program
SWPS University, as an active member of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), is the organizer of the ERC Mentoring Program. The goal is to teach young researchers how to apply for the European Research Council grants.
Our program provides young researchers with an opportunity to meet with experts who will share their expertise and experience related to the process of applying for ERC grants. During workshops, participants will work on their own applications under the supervision of the mentors — previous recipients of ERC grants and members of committees that assess ERC grant applications.
Our program offers:
- A two-day mentoring workshop led by renowned institutions specializing in advising and training concerning ERC grant applications. During the workshop you will:
- conduct an analysis of ERC grant requirements and assessment criteria
- become familiar with best practices for writing grant applications
- learn to apply a strategic approach to developing competitive applications.
- Mentoring pertaining to your career path and development as a young researchers.
Individual consultations
Additionally, you will have a unique opportunity to refine your research ideas during individual consultations with experienced mentors who have successfully applied for ERC grants or were members of ERC Evaluation Panels.
We invite candidates from the following disciplines:
- Psychology — 4 candidates (2 mentors)
- Social sciences — 4 candidates (2 mentors)
- Humanities — 2 candidates (1 mentor).
One mentor will be assigned two R2 researchers, but will provide exclusive individual consultations to each of them.
Some consultations will take place in Sopot, at the same time as the workshop, i.e., between October 20th and 24th. Additional consultations will take place post-workshop, online, as agreed with your mentor.
Detailed program of the workshop will be provided to the candidates who are admitted to the ERC Mentoring program.
Advantages of the program:
Our one-of-a-kind ERC Mentoring Program for young researchers with the highest research potential provides:
- Individual support from experts who have successfully applied for ERC grants or assessed ERC grant application.
- Direct interaction with experts, who hold professorial titles, or equivalent, are renowned for their international research achievements, and are experienced in leading projects financed by the European Commission. This ensures the high quality of the program.
- Higher probability of success — you will learn proven grant application strategies and best practices, which will increase your chances of getting an ERC grant.
- Participation in the program will help you to establish a network of professional contacts and strengthen your position in the international research community.
- The organizers will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for candidates who are accepted to the program. Refer to the program's Regulations for details. Please note: this version of Regulations is currently under revision. The updated version will be provided soon.
Application Process
Prepare the following documents:
- Short description of your ERC project — this will serve as a starting point for your workshop. Please include the following sections:
- Title (draft title) – max. 200 characters
- Summary of the research idea – max. 2,500 characters
- Narrative CV that includes:
- Personal information (education, key qualifications, and your current professional positions)
- Research achievements (max 10 examples)
- Peer recognition
- Career breaks, diverse career paths, and major life events (key turning points in the scientific or personal career)
- Other contributions to the research community (contributions to the development of the academic community and society)
- Academic CV (max. 4 pages) that includes:
- Personal information (education, key qualifications, and your current professional positions)
- Generation of new knowledge
- Contribution to the development of other individuals (e.g., students or members of research teams) and your collaborations
- Engagement in the research community of your institution
- Popularization of science and research, community and public engagement
- Personal statement
- Additional information
Review detailed guidelines for writing an Academic CV
APPLY NOW!
Application deadline: July 20, 2025.
[Space for the application form]
Organizers and funding sources
The ERC Mentoring program is organized by SWPS University as part of the Early Career Researchers 4 ERUA initiative.
The project is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), as part of the Support for European Universities program, funded by the 2021-2027 European Social Fund (ESF).
Contact
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