European Research Council (ERC) grant holders from across the University have marked its 10th anniversary at a celebratory event.
Vice-President (Research and Enterprise), Professor Mark Spearing, and Vice-President (International), Professor Colin Grant, hosted the event which was attended by colleagues who have, and are, benefitting significantly from ERC funding.
Through competitive funding, the ERC encourages the highest quality research in Europe and supports frontier research across all fields on the basis of scientific excellence. It is a flagship component of Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Research Framework Programme for 2014 to 2020.
The ERC grants we receive contribute to our ranking as 14th in the UK for EU Government Research Income (source: HESA, 2015/2016).
Professor Mark Spearing addressed the guests, saying:
Today we are celebrating a very special group of people who are realising their research vision, and driving forward the University’s reputation, directly through the support of the ERC.
Through its commitment to high quality people and the highest quality research, in a relatively short space of time, the ERC has become a leading research enabler both in the EU and globally, and the envy of many non-EU members.
Advanced ERC grant holder, Professor Simon Keay, Archaeology, commented:
ERC funding has been a truly transformative award, enabling me to crystallise my research ambitions and foster important collaborations with other EU partners and generate and shed new light on the character and development of Roman Mediterranean ports.
Consolidator ERC grant holder, Professor Tiina Roose, Biological and Environmental Engineering, said:
The [ERC] grant gave me recognition on an international stage. It has made all the difference to my career.
For enquiries relating to ERC grants, please email the EU Office at: [email protected]
