The first session of our new training program on interview preparation for ERC Advanced Grant candidates was a resounding success !
This highly competitive funding scheme supports the most ambitious and novel scientific ideas, and our tailored program aims to help top academics excel in their final evaluation stage.
The session covered all essential aspects of the ERC interview process, including technical details, organizational structure, expectations, and expert tips on delivering a compelling presentation. The presentation also included science-based exercises to manage interview-related anxiety and a portfolio of potential questions. A key feature of the session was an mock interview exercise, where each candidate presented their project, answered related questions and received detailed feedback on content, slides, delivery, clarity, and non-verbal communication.
Over four hours of rigorous training, candidates gained valuable insights and practical strategies. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants finding the session highly useful. The next steps in the program include additional mock interviews—both with peers and the MER team—ensuring candidates are fully prepared for the ERC panel’s challenging Q&A.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening support for our researchers in securing prestigious ERC funding.
What participants said about the session:
"It was very useful, and has brought me back to the ERC reality"
"It’s especially useful to be talking to non-specialists, because it makes very blatantly clear how much we all assume to be obvious to our audience."
“I see that the help with the preparation for the B1 and B2 writing has made a difference and therefore I would like to be prepared for the oral as well.”
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To find out more about our future information sessions for ERC applicants,
contact us : contact@mission-europe-recherche.fr
ingenierie@mission-europe-recherche.fr
