To mark the tenth anniversary of the European Research Council, research institutions and national authorities in Europe held various events during the "ERC Week" from 13 to 19 March 2017.
Celebrations will also take place throughout 2017 and around the world, in the USA, India, Japan and other countries.
During his opening speech, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas announced that the Commission plans to increase the budget for the ERC by €50 million for the remaining years of Horizon 2020.
The European Research Council which was established by the EU to support excellent researchers in Europe, grants have contributed to creating career opportunities for some 50,000 research staff, resulted in numerous scientific breakthroughs and led to over 800 patent applications that lay the foundations for growth and jobs, and the improvement of people's daily lives. Six of the researchers it has supported have later received Nobel Prizes.
Background:
The ERC is a flagship component of Horizon 2020, the EU’s programme for research and innovation. It was set up by the EU in 2007 to fund excellent scientists and their most creative ideas.
The ERC is often referred to as a European Success Story as it supports cutting-edge 'blue sky' research in all fields, and helps Europe keep and attract the best researchers of any nationality. The promise to invest €50 million into the program, is a positive commitment in times in which many researchers are worried by the consequences of a Brexit on their careers.
