On Thursday, 11 June 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the U Bremen Research Alliance and the University of Bremen hosted for the first time the European Research Council (ERC) Infoday. Open to researchers from all member institutions of the U Bremen Research Alliance, the fully booked event reflected the strong interest in European research funding across Bremen’s research network.
The workshop focused on the European Research Council (ERC), part of Horizon Europe. The ERC aims to strengthen creativity and scientific excellence in European research by promoting scientific autonomy, pioneering “frontier research” and outstanding researchers carrying out their projects in Europe.
Participants received an overview of ERC funding schemes, eligibility requirements, submission and evaluation processes, as well as practical guidance on writing competitive proposals and support offered by Dr. Andrea Gottlieb and Dr. Luisa Cristini, both EU Advisors at the University of Bremen’s Research Services. A central topic was how successful ERC proposals demonstrate the ground-breaking character, potential scientific impact and methodological approach of the research project, alongside the intellectual capacity and creativity of the applicant. Participants also discussed five key questions to address from the abstract onwards: What new knowledge will the project generate? Could it help establish Europe as an international scientific leader? Is this knowledge already available? Why now? And why are the applicants particularly well placed to carry it out?
A highlight was the panel discussion with three ERC grantees from the University of Bremen: Dr. Tanja Stratmann from MARUM (ERC Starting Grant SPYCLING), Professor Michael Sentef from FB1 Physics / Electrical Engineering (ERC Consolidator Grant CAVMAT) and Dr. Florian Meyer from ZARM (ERC Synergy Grant FireSpace). They discussed how project ideas emerge, how proposals take shape and what challenges applicants may face. The many questions from the audience underlined the strong demand for first-hand experience and practical advice.
Dr. Tanja Stratmann described the starting point of her ERC idea as follows:
“The spark for my ERC application came from a publication by close colleagues describing an unusual chemical signal in a particular group of sponges — an observation that even a leading global expert in the field could not fully explain. From that moment, the question took hold: detecting an even stronger chemical signature in sponges living in a very different environment, I began building what would eventually become the scientific core of my ERC proposal.”
Professor Michael Sentef emphasised the balance between scientific track record and a bold new research direction:
“A strong ERC proposal does not pit track record against ambition — past achievements should serve as evidence that the applicant is uniquely positioned to pursue a bold new direction, not as a blueprint for repeating it. The most common pitfall is falling into one of two opposite traps: presenting the project as too close a continuation of existing work, or sketching an exciting vision without making clear why you, specifically, are the right person to realise it.”
Dr. Florian Meyer highlighted how demanding and rewarding the development of an ERC Synergy Grant can be:
“The process from the initial idea to the launch of the ERC Synergy Grant was the most intense experience of my career so far. After the initial euphoria came the difficult phase of writing a joint proposal, which involved a great deal of uncertainty and the need to compromise, until we finally achieved success and felt immense joy.”
The discussion showed that, alongside an excellent scientific idea, successful ERC proposals must convincingly demonstrate novelty, scientific added value and feasibility, while clearly showing why the applicant is particularly well placed to pursue an ambitious new research direction. During the light lunch that followed, participants continued the exchange, discussed individual questions and built new contacts within the U Bremen Research Alliance.
More impressions from the event
Agenda
9:00 Check-in, coffee & welcome address (Dr. Hanna Voudouri)
10:00 Session 1 (Dr. Andrea Gottlieb, Dr. Luisa Cristini)
• Overview of ERC Grants
• How to write a competitive proposal
• Research support at the University of Bremen
11:00 Session 2
Panel discussion with ERC Grantees at the University of Bremen:
• Dr. Tanja Stratmann, MARUM — ERC Starting Grant
• Prof. Michael Sentef, FB 1 — ERC Consolidator Grant
• Dr. Florian Meyer, ZARM — ERC Synergy Grant
12:00 Closing remarks & light lunch
Contact
Dr. Andrea Gottlieb & Dr. Luisa Cristini
University of Bremen
Research Support Unit
- Email: eu@vw.uni-bremen.de
Contact
Derk Schönfeld
U Bremen Reserach Alliance
Managing Director
Cooperating in U Bremen Research Alliance:
