The network of Ambassadors for the ERC expands

The Ambassadors for the ERC initiative was created by the AERG and the European Research Council (ERC) in April 2025 to connect ERC grantees with national research and policy communities, and to raise awareness of ERC funding opportunities. Now entering its second year, the network brings together researchers who promote the value of frontier research at national level and engage with policymakers, media, local research communities and the wider public.

Furthermore, as the network evolves, two founding Ambassadors from Portugal and the Netherlands have concluded their mandates at the end of the initiative’s inaugural year. They are succeeded by newly appointed Ambassadors from the same countries, who will continue to promote the value of frontier research and engage with national research and policy communities across Europe. 

Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, said: 

‘I am delighted to see the Ambassadors for the ERC network grow, bringing in new voices to advocate for frontier research across Europe. I look forward to engaging with them. We welcome this support from the Association of ERC grantees reinforcing the message that sustained investment in curiosity-driven research is a must for Europe’s future.’

Axel Cleeremans, President of the AERG, added: 

'The second year of the Ambassadors for the ERC initiative confirms the enthusiasm and responsibility felt by ERC grantees to act as Ambassadors for science. We are particularly pleased to see the network grow geographically and to welcome new colleagues who will bring fresh perspectives and energy to the initiative.'

The newly appointed Ambassadors are:

• Ivan Minev for Bulgaria;
• Ülo Niinemets for Estonia;
• Judit Gervain for Hungary;
• Inta Mieriņa for Latvia;
• Urtė Neniškytė for Lithuania;
• Stefania Milan for the Netherlands;
• Joana Gonçalves-Sá for Portugal. 
   

The mandate of the Ambassadors is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on continued interest and availability of the ERC grantee. To reinforce their activities, the Ambassadors work in collaboration with the ERC National Contact Points (NCPs), key national intermediaries who provide researchers with guidance and practical information on all aspects of the EU Horizon Europe framework programme.

The ERC and the AERG plan to continue developing the network in the coming years.