Writing a Competitive ERC Grant Proposal

Starting Grant Breakthrough Workshop 2026

The Starting Grant Breakthrough Workshop forms part of Uppsala University’s ERC Training Camp initiative, which brings together the university’s strongest prospective ERC Starting Grant applicants. It is organised with support from Ragnar Söderbergs Stiftelse.

The workshop offers a concentrated setting for strengthening an emerging ERC project idea. Participants prepare a three-page concept paper in advance, which forms the basis for discussions with invited ERC experts and experienced research advisors. The sessions focus on sharpening the ambition, clarity, and potential scientific impact of the proposed research.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday 19 May 2026, at the Radisson Blu in Uppsala, running from the morning into the late afternoon, followed by dinner.

The workshop is open to applicants from all research domains.

For questions, please contact the research advisor for your disciplinary domain.

Humanities and Social Sciences: Expression of interest for the ERC Starting Grant Breakthrough Workshop

Uppsala University invites early‑career researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) to submit an expression of interest for the upcoming Starting Grant Breakthrough Workshop.

Five places are reserved for HSS researchers. It targets those planning to apply for an ERC Starting Grant this year who meet the eligibility requirements, including the expected updated window of 0–10 years after PhD defence. Since the number of places is limited, selection will be based on the submitted expressions of interest, guided by criteria aligned with established ERC success factors.

Candidates in HSS are asked to submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae
A brief project summary (maximum half a page) outlining the core idea and explaining how it advances beyond the current state of the art
A short confirmation that you intend to apply to the this year's ERC StG call and will prepare the required concept paper
Confirmation of approval from your Head of Department to proceed with an ERC application

Please send these materials to eric.trovalla@uu.se and anna.holen@uu.se no later than 7 April 2026.

Please note that the research support will continue to provide the usual, tailored support to all candidates, including those who are not participating in the ERC training camp/workshop.

Contact

Erik Ullerås, research advisor Medicine and Pharmacy; Göran Hamrin, research advisor Science and Tecknology; Eric Trovalla, research advisor Humanities and Social Sciences.