Optimism over ERC evaluation tweaks

Former European Research Council leaders support moves to recognise applicants’ contributions beyond their field

Plans to alter how the European Research Council evaluates grant proposals, by adding consideration of researchers’ contributions beyond their fields of expertise, have been given a warm reception by former senior figures from the funder.

The ERC has always focused exclusively on scientific excellence when evaluating grant proposals. This is currently judged for the proposed research itself and for the principal investigator, with the latter factoring in the applicant’s track record.