From 2027, there will be significant changes to the national support system for applicants for prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grants. The new framework, presented by the Expert Group for the Support of Applicants in ERC Calls and the Technology Centre Prague, places greater emphasis on the scientific quality of project proposals, the preparedness of applicants and their systematic support at the level of research institutions.
The aim of the changes is to increase the effectiveness of national support and to boost the success rate of Czech applicants in international competition. The new system envisages more active involvement of research institutions in the early identification of talented researchers, the expert evaluation of project proposals and the long-term preparation of potential applicants.
Key changes to the ERC national support scheme
1. Reading Days – a new open activity
A new feature will be the so-called ‘Reading Days’, which will enable interested parties to familiarise themselves with successful ERC project proposals and gain a better understanding of the requirements regarding their scientific quality and structure. The activity will be open to all interested parties without the need for prior preparation of a project proposal and may assist in deciding on the appropriate timing for their own application.
The first Reading Days are provisionally scheduled for the beginning of 2027.
2. Stricter eligibility criteria for participation in national ERC workshops
A significant change will be the tightening of the selection criteria for participants in national workshops. These will now be primarily intended for applicants who already have a sufficiently developed project proposal and plan to submit an application in response to the next ERC call.
The application must include a detailed description of the project idea, ranging from 2 to 5 pages in length. Submitted proposals will be assessed in terms of scientific quality and the applicant’s preparedness. Participation in the workshops will therefore build on prior professional preparation, rather than constituting its initial phase.
3. Individual mentoring and a greater role for research institutions
The existing system of workshops will be revised to include individual mentoring for selected applicants. Institutional support will take on greater importance, particularly the early selection of suitable candidates, expert feedback on project proposals and collaboration with experienced ERC grant holders.
Q&A WEBINAR FOR INSTITUTIONS: WHAT WILL CHANGE IN NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR ERC GRANT APPLICANTS AND WHY?
Expected timetable for support in 2027
- Early 2027: Reading Days
- February 2027: expected opening of registration for national ERC workshops
- End of May and the second half of June 2027: planned workshop dates
- Follow-up phase: individual mentoring for selected applicants
Specific dates and conditions of participation will be specified following the publication of official information.
Support for applicants at Palacký University
In view of the new requirements, we recommend that potential applicants for ERC grants begin preparing their project proposals well in advance and pay particular attention to their scientific originality, ambition and competitiveness.
The Project Service at Palacký University offers consultancy and methodological support for the preparation of ERC projects, including consultations on project proposals and preparation for national workshops.
Those interested may contact: Mgr. Ondřej Němčák
ondrej.nemcak@upol.cz
58 563 1441 | 736 501 763
Further information
In 2026, the ERC National Information Day will not take place. However, those interested can view the recording of the 2025 ERC Information Day.
More detailed information on the changes to the national support system is also provided in an article by Zdeněk Strakoš:
The UP Project Service will provide ongoing updates on further details, deadlines and opportunities to participate in the national support system.
Source: Expert group to support applicants in ERC calls, TC Prague