The 'European Research Council' is unveiled at the URJC

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

The vice-rector for Innovation and Transfer, Juan Antonio Melero, has pointed out that "the main objective of these conferences is to encourage the participation of URJC researchers in these calls". Melero added that, although the ERC calls "are very competitive, they have an excellent financial endowment and the documentation required is not excessive".

The vice-rector has also made reference to the good results in relative terms of the URJC in the ERC calls. The University has a success rate in the H2020 program, so far, of 25%, with 4 proposals approved out of 12 submitted. In this sense, the Vice Chancellor has pointed out that "it is necessary to continue working to increase the number of proposals, which until now is moderate". Melero has taken the opportunity to encourage researchers interested in participating in these European calls to contact the OPE to guide them in the preparation of the proposal.

The conference also had the participation of Esther Rodríguez, NCP (National Contact Point) of FECYT-MINECO and Laura del Río, NCP of ISCII. Both have explained in detail the different ERC calls and the key aspects when participating. In addition, the attending researchers have been able to ask them questions.

A case of success

The conference was closed by Professor Miguel Ángel Otaduy, beneficiary to date of a total of four ERC grants for the projects 'Animetrics', 'Touchdesign', 'Fabricmetrics' and 'CLAP'. Professor Otaduy has recounted the key aspects that, from his personal experience, have allowed him to apply for these grants successfully.

The conference was attended by 40 people who actively participated, raising questions and doubts to the speakers and showing interest in these funding actions among researchers at the Rey Juan Carlos University.