The review methodology for the ERC Starting Grant includes interviews with all PIs of proposals at step 2 in the evaluation process conducted by the relevant ERC evaluation panel in Brussels. (Travel expenditures will be reimbursed by the ERC.)

Depending on the panel, interviews will last between 20 and 30 minutes in total. The first 5 to 10 minutes will be devoted to a presentation of the outline of the research project by the PI. The remaining 15 to 20 minutes will be devoted to a question and answer session.

Panels or sub-panels will express their appreciation of the PI in the form of a score. In the subsequent panel meeting, panels will take into account the results of the interviews alongside the other elements, i.e. the individual reviews and the preliminary ranking.

In order to prepare candidates for this interview, KoWi offers special interview trainings for Starting Grants applicants.