Applying for ERC funding
Applying for ERC funding
4 June 2025, 9h00-17h00
General context
ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants are among the most prestigious opportunities for researchers establishing independence. But success requires more than outstanding science; it demands strategic planning, clarity, and a compelling narrative.
This interactive course helps senior postdocs and junior group leaders prepare competitive ERC proposals. Using real examples and reviewer insights, you will learn how to define a bold research vision and structure it into a persuasive application. Whether applying soon or later, you will build the mindset and skills to pursue ERC funding effectively.
After this course, you will:
- Frame a compelling research question and translate it into a groundbreaking proposal.
- Write a clear, persuasive abstract that stands out to reviewers.
- Build a well-structured research plan, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Understand ERC evaluation criteria and the expectations for an excellent PI.
This one-day course blends expert input with practical exercises to help you turn your research vision into a competitive ERC application:
Learn through real ERC examples, reviewer insights, and interactive exercises focused on proposal writing. Strong peer interaction is encouraged to share perspectives and strengthen ideas. Participants will also connect with the VIB Grants team for ongoing support.
Senior postdocs and junior group leaders at VIB who aim to start or consolidate an independent research team to apply for an ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant.
I really liked the small group size, so there was a lot of room for discussion or covering specific topics a bit more in depth if needed.
Marlies Vanden Bempt (participant 2023)
Trainers
Lieve Ongena
Senior Science Policy and Grants Manager
Lieve Ongena is an experienced science policy manager with deep knowledge in R&D strategy for the Biotech and Life Sciences sectors. She specializes in guiding researchers through European and international funding landscapes, with a strong track record in EU programs such as MSCA and ERC. Her approach combines strategic advisory with practical training, leveraging real-world examples to enhance research competitiveness and increased success.
Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology (Ghent University, 1989), Lieve advanced her research through European postdoctoral fellowships at Kyoto and Chiba Universities in Japan. She later served as policy advisor and business development manager at Innogenetics (now Fujirebio), one of Flanders’ pioneering biotech spin-offs, before joining VIB as a science policy advisor in 2000. Her career bridges scientific research, policy development, and cross-cultural partnerships, with a unique specialization in Japan–Europe research relations.
Elien Vandermarliere
International Grants Office Manager
Elien Vandermarliere is International Grants Office Manager at VIB, where she leads strategic support for international funding applications under Horizon Europe. She guides scientists at all career stages through highly competitive funding schemes such as ERC and MSCA, combining practical insights with strategic advice to help applicants strengthen the clarity, impact, and competitiveness of their proposals.
Elien holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from KU Leuven (2008), where she specialized in structural biology and protein crystallography. She broadened her expertise during postdoctoral research in bioinformatics and proteomics at Ghent University and VIB, contributing to research projects and mentoring students. Beyond her institutional role, Elien actively contributes to the European research community as a member of the EU-LIFE grants working group and as a reviewer for EU projects. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and funding strategy experience makes her a trusted trainer for researchers aiming to succeed in highly competitive funding landscapes.
Practical info
04 June 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
04 June 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
04 June 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
04 June 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.