In its capacity as the National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Research Council (ERC) the UK Research Office is to hold a number of information events for researchers who are interested in applying for the ERC Starting Grant call which opened on the 20th July and closes in autumn 2010:

Aim of each session
The aim of each session is to provide participants with an overview of the ERC in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), focusing on the Starting Grant scheme. Participants should gain a deeper understanding of the proposal format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a Starting Grant proposal.

Who should attend?
The sessions will be of particular interest to UK-based researchers planning to submit a proposal for the ERC Starting Grants.

Programme outline
Two identical sessions will be held at each venue, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please note that it is only necessary to attend one session. Both sessions will provide an overview of the ERC, and will focus on the application process for the ERC Starting Grants. There will be opportunities to ask questions during each session.

Morning session: The morning session will start at 09:30 promptly (with registration from 9.10) and close at 13.15.
Afternoon session: The afternoon session will start at 14:00 promptly (with registration from 13.40) and close at 17.45.

The events will be held at:

University of Birmingham, Tuesday 7th September 2010;
University College London, Wednesday 8th September 2010;
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Thursday 16th September 2010; and
School of Advanced Study, University of London, Friday 17th September 2010.

Attendance is free of charge and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bookings are now open. To register for one of the events please complete the form available on the UKRO ERC website.