Abstract

Securing an ERC (European Research Council) grant requires a highly competitive and meticulously structured proposal. Traditionally, researchers seek feedback from peers, research managers, and consultants to refine their drafts. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers new possibilities for proposal improvement, human expertise remains essential for an in-depth, strategic evaluation.

A structured approach is crucial to assess ERC proposals effectively. Beyond identifying strengths and weaknesses through SWOT analysis, expert evaluation must also consider feasibility, implementation, and whether the project meets ERC’s expectations for groundbreaking nature, timeliness, and necessity. Ensuring a clear and logical progression of ideas further strengthens a proposal’s strategic positioning.

While AI can assist by detecting inconsistencies or suggesting structural refinements, it lacks the ability to fully grasp the complexity of scientific reasoning, feasibility challenges, and the broader strategic fit within ERC criteria. Expert assessment remains irreplaceable in evaluating whether a proposal’s argumentation is coherent, well-structured, and compelling.

This poster presents an analytical approach to ERC proposal evaluation, emphasizing the role of SWOT analysis, feasibility assessment, and strategic alignment with ERC expectations. Real-world examples illustrate how these methods strengthen applications and how AI can serve as a support tool while remaining secondary to expert judgment.