The document outlines support programmes from the Irish Research Council for social sciences and humanities applicants to the European Research Council. It describes two strands of funding through the "New Horizons" programme, including starter grants of €100,000 for early career researchers, and interdisciplinary grants of €200,000 for established researchers to collaborate with STEM fields. It also provides a "Basic Research Excellence Award" of up to €100,000 for applicants with highly-rated ERC proposals to support reapplication. The support programmes aim to strengthen Ireland's performance in the ERC by developing competitive researchers and interdisciplinary collaborations.

1. ERC Support Programme for SH applicants
Royal Irish Academy – Excellent Science in the
Humanities Event – 21st January 2015
Mr. Paul Kilkenny, European Programmes Manager
ERC National Contact Point for Social Sciences &
Humanities

2. Context – National Strategy for Horizon 2020
“The Irish Research Council will
play a particular role in
supporting the AHSS
community in addition to
supporting and cultivating the
broader community across all
disciplines to engage in cross
and interdisciplinary research..”
P.14

3. Context – Mission of Irish Research Council – ERC Fit
“the Council looks forward to playing our distinct role in
creating a system where new and novel ideas, and the
fantastic people who come up with them, can compete
and obtain support. We also, through our emphasis on
developing the skills of the individual, look forward to
assisting the cultivation of creative and innovative people
who can translate new ideas and knowledge into benefits
for society.”

4. “New Horizons” Programme – Overall Objectives
» The ‘New Horizons’ programme will provide innovative
project funding to support emerging researchers in
AHSS through a basic research ‘Starter Grant’ scheme
open to researchers from any AHSS discipline.
» The scheme will also provide significant funding
enabling AHSS researchers to incubate (and lead) in the
short term, collaborative interdisciplinary projects with
STEM researchers, which will specifically target medium
term opportunities in the Horizon 2020 Societal
Challenges pillar.

5. “New Horizons” STRAND 1
I. To allow promising ASSH researchers to develop track
record in basic fundamental research
II. Provide seed funding for researchers interested in
applying for a European Research Council grant in the
medium term
 Starting Grant – Value €100,000 approx. Non-
prescriptive, researcher led topic – AHSS only. 15
months.

6. New Horizons– Interdisciplinary Projects – STRAND 2
I. To encourage ASSH researchers with existing track record to
initiate leading incubation projects with STEM researchers that
address thematic priorities of societal challenges of Horizon
2020
II. To build on existing national and international networks to
develop pilot studies, prepare preliminary data and establish
competitive consortiums on upcoming topics across all societal
challenges
 Interdisciplinary Grant – Value €200,000 (approx.).
Prescribed by Societal Challenge themes. AHSS & STEM. AHSS
Led. 15 – 24 months.

7. Basic Research Excellence Award - Objective
 In order to support the growing number of applications
to SH panels, the Council will be provide a “Basic
Research Excellence Award”
 This fund is intended to develop the potential of near
successful SSH applicants to the ERC by providing
immediate financial support for reapplication. A bona
fide intention to reapply to the ERC within 18 months
must be undertaken by the applicant to avail
of this support

8. Basic Research Excellence Award – Details
 Awards will be made to each ‘A’ rated ERC application
on the condition of on a bona fide intention to reapply
to ERC within 18 months.
 Starter : €60,000
 Consolidator: €75,000
 Advanced: €100,000
 Typical costs supported will include teaching buyout,
consultancy, travel and overhead (capped at 20%)

9. Practical Support
 Review of applications for preparation support to Enterprise
Ireland
 Advice on closeness of fit to ERC Work Programme for each of
the Starter, Consolidator, Advanced & Proof of Concept Schemes
 Mock interview for Stage 2 applications for Starter and
Consolidator. Sourcing of experts for detailed review of
application and interlocution on key aspects of project
preparedness including:
 Preliminary data and investigation/pilots
 Management Plan
 Team selection rationale
 Risks & Contingencies.

10. New Horizons– Timeline 2015
New Horizons STRAND 1. and STRAND 2. calls opening
toward end of Q.2. Pre-announcement end of Q.1
Basic Research Excellence Award: Upon application by
ERC ‘A’ Rated applicant – Rolling {Subject to available
budget}

11. Overall Success in ERC 2014 for Starter Grants: Excellent Conversion Rate
Applications Awards Success rate
Switzerland (CERN) 1 1 100.0%
Israel 99 27 27.3%
Ireland 47 8 17.0%
France 256 43 16.8%
Germany 425 70 16.5%
Netherlands 212 34 16.0%
Austria 87 11 12.6%
Denmark 88 11 12.5%
Turkey 16 2 12.5%
Serbia 9 1 11.1%
United Kingdom 566 55 9.7%