EUROPEAN RESEARCH COUNCIL : ERC TOP-UP FUNDING TO BRIDGE GAP TO MARKET.

• Position: Brief article

In order to bring fundamental research closer to market applications, the European Research Council (ERC) provides additional funding for its existing grant holders. On 6 February, the organisation announced the names of 67 researchers who will receive up to 150,000 each through so-called 'proof of concept' grants. The total budget of the call is 10 million.

"This system is one of the ERC trademarks, which has gained high respect in the scientific community," commented Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, president of the ERC. "A continued increase in demand for these grants illustrates the interest of scientists in exploring possible extensions of their research. This scheme is most welcome as it helps push the best fundamental research towards the market. In my view, it is a truly original path taken by Europe to prompt innovation," he added. An opinion shared by Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, commissioner for research, innovation and science, who reckons "this mindset...