ERC proposal review support for Research Support Offices
Research Support Offices (RSOs) play a central role in helping researchers prepare strong ERC proposals. At the same time, internal capacity is often under pressure, especially when multiple candidates require support within the same call. Hezelburcht helps Research Support Offices strengthen their ERC support by offering flexible and cost-effective proposal review services. Together, we can set up an approach that fits your institution.
A flexible extension of your internal ERC support
Many institutions already provide internal guidance for ERC candidates. External support can offer additional capacity, an independent expert perspective, and an in-depth review process for researchers with the highest potential.
Framework agreements for ERC support
In practice, researchers often approach external consultants individually for one-to-one ERC support. This can lead to delays, as faculties or departments may first need to request and compare quotations before support can be arranged. That process costs time for both researchers and the RSO.
A framework agreement helps streamline this process. By agreeing in advance on the scope, approach, and pricing of external ERC support, your institution can act quickly when researchers need help. This allows for high-quality review support in a predictable and cost-effective way.
Our framework agreements are tailored to the needs of each faculty or institution. Together, we design a programme that complements your existing support structure.
Feasibility checks for groups of ERC candidates
A popular model is to start with a feasibility check for a group of ERC candidates. In this set-up, researchers provide concise input in an accessible format, allowing for a low-threshold first assessment.
We then review each submission against relevant ERC criteria and provide individual feedback for each candidate. This gives the RSO a clear basis for deciding which researchers are best positioned to move forward with more intensive support. This approach helps institutions use their available budget strategically.
In-depth review trajectories for selected candidates
Following the feasibility check, selected candidates can move into an in-depth review trajectory. In this phase, Hezelburcht provides extensive one-to-one support tailored to the candidate and the maturity of the proposal. Together, we refine the proposal to ensure that the candidate’s groundbreaking idea is presented clearly, convincingly, and in line with ERC expectations.
Webinars and workshops as part of the support trajectory
Hezelburcht can also provide webinars or workshops as part of the ERC support trajectory, either online or on-site at your institution. These sessions can be used as a kick-off for a group of researchers and prepare candidates for the next steps. This plenary approach can be combined with one-to-one discussions of the feasibility assessment with each potential candidate.
Tailored support across the ERC portfolio
Hezelburcht provides flexible support across different ERC schemes and candidate profiles. Our experts have diverse specialist backgrounds and extensive experience reviewing proposals across all ERC panels. This enables us to tailor our services to the needs of your institution and complement the expertise within your Research Support Office. Our role is not to replace your internal support, but to strengthen it where needed.
Interested in exploring how we can strengthen your support?
Would you like to discuss how Hezelburcht can support your Research Support Office and review your ERC proposal and candidates? Our specialists are happy to explore a set-up that matches your institution and your researchers’ needs. Get in contact to discuss your opportunities. Contact us via info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or fill in the contactform.
