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 face-to-face 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.
- Participation in a motivational lecture — information about the speaker coming soon
- An opportunity to participate in a mobility visit at your mentor’s research institution, which will allow you to meet members of international research teams and become familiar with the research environment.
- 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.
The consultations will take place in the second half of May 2025, at SWPS University in Warsaw.
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.
Application Process
Prepare the following documents:
- Short description of your ERC project — this will serve as a starting point for your workshop.
- Narrative CV that includes your research achievements to date.
- Short motivational letter (max. 300 words), including the following information:
- Reason for your interest in the ERC grants – your research ambitions and how ERC grants are aligned with your research plans
- How can ERC mentoring help you, e.g., perfecting your application, gaining a better understanding of the requirements, getting ready for an interview, etc.
- Your previous experience in applying for grants from national and international funding institutions (if any)
- Challenges and barriers in the application process — how can the mentoring program help you in overcoming these obstacles
- Your expectations — what outcomes would you like to achieve thanks to the program.
APPLY NOW! Review the attached document that will guide you, step by step, through the application process.
Application deadline: April 14, 2025.
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
[TU POTRZEBNY JEST ADRES E-MAIL]