To maintain support for researchers throughout Europe, the European Research Council (ERC) is launching a new initiative worth €1.8 million to improve the quality and consistency of the grant support provided by National Contact Points (NCPs)
The project, named mERCury, will run from 2025 to 2028 and involve 23 NCPs from EU member states and associated countries.
NCPs have an important role in guiding researchers through the application process for Horizon Europe funding, including the highly competitive ERC grants.
However, the level of support offered can vary widely depending on the country or region. mERCury addresses these disparities by professionalising and harmonising the services offered across the NCP network.
The initiative’s overall goal is to ensure that all researchers, regardless of location, have access to high-quality guidance and practical support as they prepare their grant proposals. This is especially important for those in “Widening” countries, regions with historically low participation rates in ERC programmes, and newly established or less experienced NCPs.
To achieve this, mERCury will focus on three main objectives
First, the project will work to improve and harmonise services across the NCP network. This includes delivering personalised training programmes, compiling and sharing examples of effective practices, and creating an AI-powered platform to support knowledge exchange among NCPs.
Second, the initiative will build capacity in underrepresented regions by offering mentoring schemes, twinning arrangements, and comprehensive onboarding support for new NCP staff. These efforts aim to ensure that every NCP can deliver top-tier guidance, regardless of its country’s prior experience or level of engagement with ERC funding.
Third, mERCury will enhance national and local support for grant applicants. Practical tools and workshops will be developed and shared, and a “train the trainer” approach will help institutions boost their internal capacity to support researchers seeking ERC grants.
The importance of Inclusiveness in mERCury
At least 60% of participants in capacity-building events will come from Widening countries or less experienced NCPs. At least seven open-access training sessions will be offered to researchers across Europe to ensure that 70% of attendees are from underrepresented regions.
The project will also engage policymakers and stakeholders through regular workshops and publishing practical guidelines. These efforts aim to embed improved support structures at institutional and policy levels, ensuring lasting impact beyond the project’s duration.
By focusing on collaboration, shared expertise, and modern tools, mERCury aspires to level the playing field in ERC grant access. Ultimately, the initiative is expected to raise the quality and quantity of ERC proposals across Europe, particularly from countries and regions that have traditionally been underrepresented.
In doing so, mERCury reinforces the ERC’s commitment to excellence in research and contributes to building a more inclusive and competitive European research environment.
