Meetings dedicated to European research in Montpellier

[Press release] - Published on March 19, 2025 in Press Room, Science-Society

On Monday, March 31, 2025 a day dedicated to the ERC schemes of the European Union's Horizon Europe framework program for research and innovation will be held at the Institute of Botany from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Organized by the University of Montpellier, in partnership with the CNRS, INSERM, and IRD, with the support of the ANR and France 2030 as part of the Moment-UM project, this event entitled "Horizons ERC" in Montpellier: European research meetingséen” réwill bring together figures éprominent figures from the European Counciléresearch and award winnersawardsand laureateséates ERC who will share their ttestimonialstestimonials and experienceséof ERC projects duringspléniè, round tables, and workshops.

Research excellence in Montpellier

The essence of the ERC program is to support ambitious projects in fundamental research. The University of Montpellier, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to creating an environment conducive to these ambitions and to promoting the success of our researchers at the European and international level in order to encourage exploratory research and bold scientific breakthroughs. This day will highlight the projects led by the winners of the European Research Council's Montpellier site.

A day to bring new ambitious projects to the fore.

The "ERC Horizons in Montpellier" event will bring together leading figures from the European Research Council, including:

• Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, President of the European Research Council between 2014 and 2019, then acting president between 2019 and 2021,
• Monique Smaihi, Head of the Calls Coordination Sector at the ERC Executive Agency,
• Genevière Almouzni, member of the ERC Scientific Council.

ERC grant recipients will share their stories and experiences during plenary sessions, round tables, and workshops. The ERC NCP will also host a workshop.

The full program for the day

UM leads the way in collective momentum on European projects

For seven years now, the University of Montpellier and its partners have made supporting scientific ambition and excellence a priority, offering the scientific community a support system dedicated to the ERC program. The support offered has been further enhanced since December 2023, thanks to the support of the ANR, which backs our participation in the European Research Area via Moment-UM, selected as part of the ASDESR call for projects.