[Takeoff #4] Being an European Research Council (ERC) grantee

[Article, Video] - Published on November 28, 2022 in Major Programs, University-Industry Partnerships

Sara Cavaliere is a researcher in the Department of Materials Chemistry at the Charles Gerhardt Institute in Montpellier. She was awarded a European Research Council (ERC) grant for scientific excellence, which enabled her to launch her project, called Spinam. She discusses it in the video series “Décollage,” produced by the University of Montpellier’s Office of Innovation and Partnerships (Dipa).

In 2011, Sara Cavaliere applied for the first time to the European Research Council ( ERC) with her Spinam project on electrochemical devices for hydrogen energy conversion and storage, such as fuel cells. For this application, she received support from the DIPA from the moment she submitted her proposal—" especially with putting together the budget," Sara Cavaliere recalls—right through the review process. "The DIPA also helped me highlight the truly innovative aspects of my project, which isn’t always easy."

Although her first attempt failed, her second one in 2012 was a success. Sara Cavaliere was awarded an ERC grant in 2012—a grant that propelled her forward and gave her greater international visibility.“It also opened the door to numerous academic and industrial partnerships, allowing me to advance in my career.”

Keywords: Takeoff, Innovation, Research