Interview Trainings Starting Grants

The Interview is an important part of the ERC evaluation process. Here you can find out how the National Contact Point ERC can support you in this process.

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Interview Training for Starting Grants

The interview is a crucial part of the ERC evaluation process. Here, you will learn how the NCP ERC can support you in this process. Once again this year, the National Contact Point ERC is organizing interview training sessions for the Starting Grants 2025. These trainings are available for applicants from all three domains (PE, LS, and SH) and will take place between late April and late May.

NCP ERC Interview Training

Part I: General Preparation Training

The general preparation training (Part I) for candidates from all domains lasts approximately 1.5 hours. In this general part of the interview training, you will receive:

  • General tips for the online interview from a professional coach
  • Information on the current evaluation status and success statistics from the NCP ERC
  • First-hand insights from a successful grantee
  • The opportunity to ask questions

There is no limit to the group size for Part I.

Part I Training (open to all candidates)

April 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Registration opens on March 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Part II: Domain specific Training Sessions (Limited Spots)

We offer a total of twelve small group training sessions simulating the ERC interview situation. Each candidate will have approximately 30 minutes per session to present their proposal according to the respective panel’s guidelines, followed by a short Q&A session.

Each candidate will receive feedback from the trainer, an NCP ERC representative, and fellow participants, who will act as a mock panel for the Q&A simulation.

Group size is limited to 6 participants per session. Participants should have attended the preparation training (Part I) beforehand.

Sessions are primarily aimed at ERC grant candidates with a German host institution who have received an interview invitation and do not have access to training at their institution.

If you already have access to individual coaching elsewhere, we kindly ask you to use that opportunity so that NCP ERC training spots remain available for those without such resources.

Participation in only one domain specific training (Part II) is permitted.

All training sessions will be conducted online in English via Webex, like the ERC interviews themselves.

Participation is free of charge.

Registration follows the 'first come, first served' principle.

Please note that two different registration systems are used, and double registrations will be checked.

Part II: Small Group Training Sessions (Limited Spots)

Registration opens on March 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Please read the instructions below before registering, as different procedures apply due to NCP ERC being represented by two organizations: the EU Bureau of the BMBF at the DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-PT) and KoWi.

DLR-PT Training Dates

(Registration link for all trainings)

  • Monday, April 28, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.(PE)
  • Tuesday, April 29, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (PE)
  • Wednesday, April 30, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (LS)
  • Monday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (LS)
  • Monday, May 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (SH)
  • Tuesday, May 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (SH)

KoWi Training Dates

  • Tuesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (PE) Registration link
  • Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (PE) Registration link
  • Monday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (LS) Registration link
  • Friday, May 9, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (LS) Registration link
  • Friday, May 16, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (SH) Registration link
  • Friday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (SH) Registration link

NCP ERC Contacts for Further Questions:

For DLR-PT registrations:

For KoWi registrations:

Important Notes for DLR-PT Training Registration

Registration is done via the Invitario online system. To complete your registration successfully, please upload the following documents (supported formats: pdf, ppt, doc, docx, jpg):

  • B1 part of your ERC application
  • Your interview invitation

Additionally, you should upload Annex I of your invitation as soon as it is available. While Annex I is not required for registration, it contains essential panel guidelines for the interview. You may also optionally upload your interview presentation draft.

Key Information

Registration is not possible without uploading the B1 part and interview invitation. Each person can register for only one training session. Registration requires a personal email address as an identifier. Multiple registrations with the same email are not allowed. Registration pages remain open until the training dates, allowing modifications and additional document uploads if needed.

After Registration

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Within 2–3 working days, we will review your documents and inform you about your registration status:

  • Confirmed: You receive a binding confirmation.
  • Waitlist: If no spots are available, you will be notified and contacted if a spot opens up.
  • Rejected: If your registration does not meet the requirements (missing documents, all spots filled), you will be informed accordingly.

Availability of Sessions

Training sessions are often fully booked within minutes. If a session is no longer displayed in Invitario, it means it is overbooked. If other sessions are available, you may select an alternative. Please note that displayed sessions do not guarantee available spots. Confirmation is sent only after document review.

Cancellation

If you are unable to attend, please cancel via your personalized access link and confirm by clicking the "Deregistration" button.

Important Notes for KoWi Training Registration

KoWi uses the idloom event registration platform for Starting Grant interview training. Each Part II interview training date has a specific registration link.

After registering, please email the following documents (supported formats: pdf, ppt, docx, jpg):

  • B1 part of your ERC application
  • Your interview invitation

Additionally, please send Annex I of your invitation once available. You may also voluntarily submit your interview presentation draft beforehand.

After Registration

Upon registering, you will receive an automated confirmation from idloom. Once sessions are fully booked, we will verify the required documents (B1 part and interview invitation) and notify you with either a:

  • Confirmation (final training spot)
  • Waitlist notification (not a guaranteed spot; we will contact you if a spot opens)
  • Rejection (if requirements are not met)

General Training Note

The NCP ERC reserves the right to exclude participants up to the training day if the required documents are not submitted or other participation requirements are not met.