My experiences as an ERC Starting Grant applicant and grantee

1
My experiences as an ERC Starting Grant applicant
and grantee
University of Hull, UK Bar Ilan
University Department of Psychology Michal
Lavidor
2
Application (1st stage)

• Vision
• Multi-stages research
• Applied aspects
• Ambition
• In my case, I also wanted to move back to my
  homeland after 6 years away

3
Think BIG!
INSPIRE

• Get comments from senior colleagues
• Make your proposal visually distinctive

4
Application 2nd stage

• Be happy you really want it!
• Vision
• Strong abstract and clear objectives
• Careful details
• Catchy concepts
• Show how you fit the ERC vision
• Proofreading by senior colleagues
• Professional graphic editing

5
Semantic ?? Creativity
2008
Research strand 1
2009
Modulation of semantic abilities and creativity
with TMS
Modulation of semantic abilities and creativity
with training
TMS-induced impairments in semantic processing
Research strand 2
Research strand 3
Research strand 4
2010
Clinical implications of research strands 1-4
2011
Research strand 5
6
The interview

• Be well prepared
• Speak exactly 10 minutes
• Be confident
• Listen carefully to the questions there are
  many!

7
Some questions the panel asked me

• What is most innovative in your proposal?
• What will you do if stage 1 in your research
  yields null results?
• Why did you focus only on words and not sentences
  levels?
• Why didnt you consider handedness?
• Did you consider ethical aspects?
• Can you generate general conclusions when testing
  Hebrew as it uses a unique writing system ?

8
Help the panel members (remember they are more
tired then you..)

• Make sure they know you are good for example
  highlight your best publications international
  collaborations.
• Tell an interesting story
• Present your research objectives very CLEARLY
• Show you care I gave them beautiful, colourful
  handouts.
• Be careful with jokes

9
Why is good for you
TMS
10

• My experiences as an ERC Starting Grant
  applicant and grantee