ERC Horizons in Montpellier: European research meetings

A day dedicated to ERC schemes will be held at the Institute of Botany on March 31, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Organized by the University of Montpellier, in partnership with the CNRS, INSERM, and IRD, with support from the ANR and France 2030 as part of the Moment-UM project, this event entitled "ERC Horizons in Montpellier: Research Meetings Research will bring together prominent figures from the European Research Council Research ERC laureates who will share their testimonials and experiences of ERC projects during plenary sessions, round tables, and workshops.

Are you considering applying for an ERC grant? Are you thinking about it but don't dare take the plunge? Have you already applied, or do you think it's not for you? Are you a grant winner and want to talk to other researchers, share your experience, and inspire those who haven't yet applied to the ERC?

This event is funded by the “Moment’UM” project (ANR-22-ASDR-0029) and receives government support managed by the ANR under France 2030.

Program

Moderator: Monica Dietl, Director of Europe Matters

• From 8 a.m.: Reception
• 8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Official Opening
• 9:15–10:00 a.m.: “The ERC, a European program where France must make progress” by Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, President of the European Research Council Research 2014 to 2019, then acting president from 2020 to 2021
• 10:00–10:45 a.m.: “ERC programs: accelerators of progress and careers” by Monique Smaihi, Head of Call Coordination at the ERC Executive Agency
• 11:10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Overview of ERC projects: presentations of winning projects
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.: Round table discussion on "Equal opportunities and inclusion in research" with Geneviève Almouzni, Researcher at the Institut Curie and Member of the ERC Council, Agnès Fichard-Carroll, VP in charge of gender equality at the University of Montpellier, and Jeanne Tonnabel, Research Officer Research CNRS.
• 2:20 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.: Round table discussion "Towards unexplored horizons: the ERC at the service of innovation" with Philippe Combette, VP of Partnerships and Innovation at the University of Montpellier, Damien Voiry, Director of Research CNRS (other speakers to be confirmed).
• 3:40 p.m. – 5:10 p.m.: Workshops upon registration (subject to availability):
  • Workshop 1: Life Sciences, present your concept.
  • Workshop 2: From idea to ERC project, best practices and pitfalls to avoid.
  • Workshop 3: Prepare for your oral exam, Q&A session.
• 5:10 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.: Closing remarks