On December 16 and 17, 2024, the Aix-Marseille site was honored to welcome Professor Gerd Gigerenzer, Vice-President Humanities at the European Research Council (ERC). The two-day visit was marked by dense and enriching exchanges on European research issues, with a particular focus on the humanities and social sciences (SHS) and the importance of removing the obstacles to ERC applications.
The ERC: a lever for scientific excellenceThe
ERC is recognized as one of the major instruments for funding research in Europe, rewarding projects of scientific excellence with high potential. Yet applying for these grants remains a challenge for many researchers. Professor Gigerenzer's visit to Aix-Marseille offered a unique opportunity to demystify the ERC and strengthen the site's European ambitions, particularly in the SHS field.
Day 1: Promoting Aix-Marseille's research potentialOn
December 16, the CERCle (ERC Club) and the Mission Europe pour la Recherche organized a day dedicated to promoting European research projects and supporting researchers.
Highlights of the day included:
- Presentation of Aix-Marseille's research potential with Éric Berton, President of the University: an overview of the resources and innovative projects supported by the site.
- Plenary session of the ERC 2024 Club: highlighting the projects of several ERC laureates, such as Isabelle Dautriche (origins of the language of thought), Maud Gratuze (Alzheimer's disease) and Kristof Strijkers (linguistic and neural alignment).
- Keynote by Prof. Gigerenzer: an inspiring speech on the theme of "Demystifying the ERC and encouraging applications", followed by constructive discussions on ways of removing obstacles for researchers.
An exchange in the service of European ambitions:
The Mission Europe pour la Recherche presented its support tools, reaffirming its commitment to supporting researchers throughout the application process.
Day 2: Human and social sciences in the spotlightOn
December 17, the focus was on SHS. Too few French SHS researchers apply to the prestigious ERC calls for proposals, despite a high success rate. The "ERC is not for me" argument was humorously dismantled by the MER project managers!
Numerous projects of excellence led by Aix-Marseille researchers also showed that SHS plays a key role in European research.
The day's program:
Morning at Campus Schuman: Information session on SHS and the ERCIntroduction
- by Pr. Gigerenzer: a reflection on the role of SHS in the construction of ambitious European research.
- Presentation of ERC calls for proposals and open discussion: a fascinating round table on the question "SHS and ERC: an impossible relationship?"
- Meeting with ERC laureates in SHS: sharing researchers' experiences: Elisabeth Anstett (CNRS, ADES), Katell Berthelot (CNRS, TDMAM) and Christian Henriot (IRASIA).
Afternoon at the MMSH: showcasing SHSTour of
- archaeology platforms and presentation of interdisciplinary initiatives, with
- talks by researchers on themes such as the human mind, the energy transition and Mediterranean history.
Highlighting talents and projects
Inspiring testimonials illustrated how the SHS can respond to major societal challenges, while raising the site's European ambitions.
Encouraging ERC applications: a strategic challenge for Aix-Marseille
These two days served to reinforce a key message: applying for the ERC is within the reach of Aix-Marseille researchers, including those in the SHS. The scientific excellence of the Aix-Marseille site and the support of the Mission Europe pour la Recherche are major assets for the success of these ambitious projects.
A promising future for Aix-Marseille and European researchThe
visit of Prof. Gigerenzer shed new light on the importance of the ERC calls for proposals and reinforced the ambitions of the Aix-Marseille site in the European landscape. Thanks to the dynamism of its researchers and the support of the Mission Europe pour la Recherche, the site is more than ever ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Contact the Mission Europe pour la Recherche for personalized assistance with your European projects:
📧 detection@mission-europe-recherche.f
rFaisons Together, let's shine the spotlight on European research from Aix-Marseille!
