ERC Information Days: a collective effort to strengthen scientific excellence
On 30 and 31 March 2026, the E@SELY Skills project, led by the Lyon–Saint-Étienne Engineering Alliance, Jean Monnet University Saint-Étienne and the CNRS, organised the ERC Information Days in Lyon and Saint-Étienne, in collaboration with the ABILITY project.
With over 170 registered participants, this event confirms researchers’ growing interest in European funding for excellence, and in particular in ERC (European Research Council) grants.
Organising and supporting ERC projects
The aim of these sessions was clear: to support researchers in the design, development and successful implementation of ERC projects, by providing them with practical tools, feedback and opportunities for discussion.
The highlight of the event was an institutional round-table discussion that brought together key stakeholders from the Lyon–Saint-Étienne region to address a strategic issue:
- “How can ERC funding be fully integrated into the institutions’ strategies?”
The discussions highlighted the momentum building across the Lyon–Saint-Étienne region, notably through:
- the development of a collective strategy amongst institutions;
- the strengthening of support for researchers, from the project’s inception right through to the oral defence;
- the development of awareness-raising, training and coaching initiatives.
A shared ambition for the pursuit of excellence
This joint effort by higher education institutions, research organisations and support schemes reflects a shared ambition:
- to foster the development of more ERC projects and to support research of the highest calibre.
The Lyon–Saint-Étienne Engineering College, in collaboration with its academic and scientific partners, plays an active role in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and the international competitiveness of research teams.
A collective dynamic across the region
Driven in particular by the contributions of the institutions’ research directors, this initiative illustrates the commitment to enhancing the visibility and scientific appeal of the Lyon–Saint-Étienne region.
The Lyon–Saint-Étienne Engineering Alliance brings together four leading engineering schools: Centrale Lyon, ENTPE, INSA Lyon and Mines Saint-Étienne, which are jointly committed to developing research that supports major transitions.