ERC and national support measures for researchers in Bulgaria

This event is organised by the European Research Council in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science. The aim is to offer insight into the ERC funding schemes, highlight the novelties of the ERC Work Programme 2026, and guide participants through the application process. Information about the national support available to potential applicants will also be provided.

Programme

PART I (Hybrid)

9:30 – 9:40 | Welcome and Introduction

• Nikolay Vitanov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science
• Martin Penny, Head of Communication Unit, ERC

09:40 – 10:20 | ERC Grants – General Overview and Novelties in WP 2026

• Andre Schirotzek, ERC Scientific Officer

10:20 – 10:30 | NCP and National support in Bulgaria for potential ERC applicants

• Boyan Jekov, National NCP Coordinator in Bulgaria
• Zara Cherkezova-Zheleva, ERC National Contact Point in Bulgaria, Institute of Catalysis, Bulgarian Academy of Science

10:30 – 10:50 | Q&A Session

10:50 – 11:00 | Break

11:00 – 11:15 | Hints and Tips for a successful ERC Application

• Milen Bogdanov, ERC panel member

11:15 – 11:45 | Testimonials from ERC Grantees 

• Anelia Kassabova, Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum (BAS)
• Petya Krasteva, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
• Hristo Svilenov, Technical University of Munich

11:45 – 12:00 | Q&A Session & Closing Remarks 

Part II (On site - Bulgarian Session)

12:10 Discussion: “How to increase Bulgarian applications and success"