Frequently asked questions

Applications to a Synergy Grant (SyG) call should indicate only keywords, and not panels, because there are no predefined panels in the Synergy evaluation. Please see the ERC Work Programme 2023 and Information for Applicants to the ERC-2023-SyG (Synergy Grant) call.

No, the concept of 'co-investigator' actually does not exist in the context of a Synergy Grant (SyG). All Principal Investigators (PIs) have equal status, although there is a 'Corresponding Principal Investigator' (cPI) designated to be the administrative contact with the ERCEA. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023 and Information for Applicants to the Synergy Grant 2023 call.

Yes, for ERC SyG, a minimum of two and a maximum of four PIs form a group, in which each PI can work with a team and/or collaborators who are either at the same institution or at different entities. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023 and Information for Applicants to the Synergy Grant 2023 call.

For an ERC Synergy Grant (SyG), a minimum of two and maximum four Principal Investigators (PIs) (and their teams) can apply. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023.

Principal Investigators (PIs) with different profiles and in different career stages can apply to the ERC-2023-SyG call as long as they have competitive track records appropriate to their career stage. PIs must then present, as part of the proposal, either an early achievement track-record or a 10-year track-record, whichever is most appropriate for their career stage (see Starting, Consolidator, Advanced Grant profiles in the ERC Work Programme 2023).

Not only. The ultimate goal of the ERC Synergy (SyG) scheme is to allow for a close and genuine collaborative interaction that will enable transformative research at the forefront of science, capable of yielding unpredictable and ground-breaking scientific results, leading to a result that is more than just the sum of Principal Investigators (PIs)' individual contributions. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023 and the Information for Applicants to the Synergy Grant 2023 Call.

The term 'Synergy' cannot be defined in one single way. It is not the end goal, but rather the means to achieve the aims of a Synergy project. Synergy projects should generally involve composite teams that are capable of tackling bold new research themes that require novel approaches and unique fusions of researchers. Such teams are typically characterised by exceptional combinations of knowledge and skills, in which the 2, 3 or 4 Principal Investigators hold a central role. A Synergy project could incorporate novel multi- or trans-disciplinary approaches or innovative combinations of knowledge and skills in a single discipline or research field. Each Synergy proposal must demonstrate that its objectives can only be achieved through the specific combination of knowledge and skills brought together by the participating PIs. In other words, a major scientific question of pressing significance, an integrated team and the transformative scientific potential are crucial elements in conceiving a Synergy proposal. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the Information for Applicants to the Synergy Grant 2023 call.

No, there are no specific requirements on the type of configuration. Being located in two different countries will not affect the chance of success. The PIs have to demonstrate convincingly that there will be significant synergies and sufficient time spent together in close collaboration to enable achieving the aims of the project. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023 and the Information for Applicants to the Synergy Grant 2023 call.

Principal Investigators (PIs) can work at the same Host Institution (HI), or at different HIs within one country or at HIs based in different countries. HIs must be established in an EU Member State or Associated Country. In the 2023 Synergy Grant (SyG) call, with the exception of the corresponding Host Institution, it is possible to have one PI applying with a Host Institution outside the European Union or an Associated Country. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023.

The exact interview details will be communicated to the successful Step 2 applicants shortly after the end of the ERC-2023-SyG (Synergy) Step 2 panel meetings in July – August 2023 before the start of the interviews on 11 September 2023. The interviews are planned to take place in person in Brussels. However, depending on the pandemic situation and the decision of the ERC, the interviews may be changed to be held online. Regardless of the place of the interview, all PIs of a SyG group will be requested to participate at the interview. The length and interview format depend on the decision of the panels: interviews could last around 45-50 minutes in total. The panel may ask the applicants to give a 10-15 minutes presentation on the proposed research project. The remaining time could be devoted to questions and answers on the scientific content and implementation of the project, modalities of collaboration among the principal investigators and the project's budget and resources, and so on. The presentation is an opportunity to elaborate on the synergies that the project aims to create. More information about the ERC-2023-SyG call is available in the ERC Work Programme 2023.