Bourguignon pleased with women applying for grants

The President of the European Research Council has signalled his delight over the increasing number of females applying for the organisation’s grants.

Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon made the comments in a statement following the announcement of the latest researchers to receive ERC grants. A total of 328 applicants have been selected to receive Starting Grants, worth up to €2m each. This is the first Starting Grant funding award under Horizon 2020.

“The ERC is serious about young talent,” said the ERC president. “With two thirds of the overall ERC budget invested in bright young minds, they are empowered early in their careers and given the scientific freedom to pursue their most creative ideas. This helps much talent stay in Europe and sparks breakthroughs that benefit all. For the future, it is key that they be given appropriate career prospects. This Starting Grants call – the first under Horizon 2020 – brings the number of emerging research leaders funded in Europe up to almost 3,000 since the ERC launch.

“I am encouraged to see the share of female grantees increase; it is going in the right direction. Europe must nurture all its scientific talent, and for that purpose must pay special attention to improving the gender balance.”

This call attracted 3,273 applications and the overall success rate rose to around 10%, an increase from last year’s 9%. This year, the share of successful female applicants increased to 33%, from 30% last year. The success rate (grantees/applicants) of the female applicants is this time virtually equal to the male applicants.