The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) for the European Research Council (ERC), mERCury, has recently published the first edition of the ERC Success Stories from Widening countries. The collection features seven ERC grantees from Malta, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia, Greece and Türkiye who have received Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Proof of Concept Grants. Their stories offer a personal and honest look at their ERC journeys, including how they developed ambitious research ideas, overcame challenges, sought feedback and prepared for their applications and interviews. They also include advice for future ERC applicants.
Alongside the written stories, the mERCury project also produced a series of six video podcast episodes in cooperation with EURAXESS Smart Talks, giving researchers the opportunity to hear directly from ERC grantees about their experiences and lessons learned. The first two episodes are already online, with more episodes coming soon.