Today, around 20 leading scientists and decision-makers on European research funding are gathering in Tallinn for a plenary session of the Scientific Council of the European Research Council (ERC), which Estonia is hosting for the first time. On Friday, representatives of the ERC will be meeting with Estonian scientists to outline the funding options offered by the council.
To date, four Estonian scientists have received the ERC’s prestigious grant, three of whom are based at the University of Tartu and one at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. In addition, one scientist from Finland and another from Sweden have brought their grants to Tallinn University of Technology. Two Estonian recipients of the grant work at the universities of Cambridge and Kent in the United Kingdom. One of the ERC’s vice-presidents is Estonian Academy of Sciences member Mart Saarma.
Indrek Reimand, a deputy secretary general of the Ministry of Education and Research, says that being awarded an ERC grant is a clear indication of the quality of the recipients’ work. “Estonian scientists ought to take a more active role in applying for grants that are aimed at leading European research,” he said. “Some of our homegrown talent has competed in the application rounds, and done so successfully, but there’s potential for more.”
Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, the president of the ERC, commented: „Speaking also on behalf of the ERC Scientific Council, let me say how pleased we are to hold a plenary for the first time in Estonia, a country with a highly innovative climate. We very much look forward to engaging with the scientific community and policy makers here.“ He added: „So far, a handful of ERC grantees are based in Estonia and we'd like to encourage more top talent here and in neighbouring countries to compete for ERC funding. This is why we will take the opportunity to discuss how to best support research talent and ERC funding during our meetings in Tallinn.“
Tarmo Soomere, the president of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, says the interest that members of the ERC have in personally acquainting themselves with our scientists, scientific organisations and policy-makers reflects the fact that many areas in Estonian science have become influential and competitive at the global level.
The plenary session of the Scientific Council of the ERC is being held in Tallinn from 7-9 October on the invitation of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. An official dinner will be held for the visitors on 8 October by Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas and Minister of Education and Research Jürgen Ligi. Ways in which funding can be applied for from the ERC will be outlined in greater detail at the Estonian Academy of Sciences on Friday 9 October. Directors of research institutions, university rectors, ERC grant recipients and scientists with the potential to compete for ERC grants have been invited to attend the event.
European Research Council
The European Research Council (ERC) forms part of the European Union’s research and innovation programme Horizon 2020. Being awarded an ERC grant represents high-level recognition of the recipient - competition is international and incredibly fierce. The main criterion in obtaining a grant is world-class research. The Scientific Council of the ERC is a decision-making body comprising internationally renowned and experienced scientists. The ERC has a tradition of hosting plenary sessions in different countries.