This article is directly based on the official ERC video “What do you need to know about the ERC Synergy Grants?”, published as part of the European Research Council’s applicant guidance series. We have turned the main messages into a practical, easy-to-read guide, with additional tips to help researchers prepare their ERC application more strategically.
The full official video series is available here.
ERC Synergy Grants are among the most ambitious funding schemes offered by the European Research Council. They support groups of 2 to 4 Principal Investigators (PIs) who want to address a major research question that cannot be tackled by one PI alone.
A Synergy Grant is not simply a larger collaborative project. It must show that the proposed scientific breakthrough depends on the specific combination of expertise, perspectives and skills brought together by the PI team.
This makes Synergy proposals both exciting and challenging. Applicants need to demonstrate scientific excellence, but also true integration between the PIs, a shared vision and a convincing case for why the project requires this particular team.
This article summarises key guidance from the ERC’s official video on Synergy Grants and adds practical advice for applicants considering this scheme.
What is an ERC Synergy Grant?
An ERC Synergy Grant supports a small group of PIs working together on an ambitious research problem. The project can last up to 6 years.
The defining feature is synergy. The proposal must show that the research objectives can only be achieved through the combined expertise of the participating PIs.
This means the project should not look like:
- several separate projects placed under one title;
- a single PI project with minor collaborations;
- an existing collaboration simply continuing its current work;
- a loose network without a shared scientific core.
Instead, the project should present a unified research vision in which each PI is essential.
Who can apply?
Synergy Grants are open to groups of 2 to 4 Principal Investigators. PIs can be at different career stages, from early-career researchers to established leaders.
The PIs may be based at the same host institution, in different institutions or in different countries. Up to 1 PI can be based at an institution outside the EU or associated countries.
The ERC gives applicants flexibility to choose the best team for the scientific question.
The key point is not geographical spread or seniority. The key point is whether each PI brings unique and necessary expertise.
Choosing the right PI team
Team composition is one of the most important decisions in a Synergy Grant.
Applicants should ask:
- Why are these specific PIs needed?
- What expertise does each PI bring?
- Could the project be done without one of them?
- Are the roles genuinely integrated?
- Do the PIs share a coherent scientific vision?
- Can the team work together effectively for six years?
The ERC guidance emphasises that Synergy Grants are a long-term commitment. Once the project begins, the PI team is expected to remain the same throughout the grant. This makes compatibility, trust and shared expectations essential.
Before applying, PIs should discuss roles, decision-making, communication, authorship expectations, management structures and how they will handle disagreements.
Does a Synergy Grant have to be interdisciplinary?
Many Synergy Grants are interdisciplinary, but interdisciplinarity is not a formal requirement. A proposal can involve PIs from the same broad discipline if each brings distinct and essential expertise.
What matters is whether the scientific question requires the team’s combined knowledge and skills.
A proposal should therefore explain the logic of the collaboration. It should make clear why the project needs this team, not just why the project is interesting.
Proposal structure
The proposal structure is similar to individual ERC grants. It includes:
- the abstract;
- Part B1;
- CVs and track records of all PIs;
- Part B2;
- budget and administrative information.
However, the content must be adapted to the Synergy logic. From the beginning, the proposal should show that the project is integrated and that the PI roles are interdependent.
In Part B1, applicants need to convince generalist reviewers that:
- the idea is groundbreaking;
- the project could have major scientific impact;
- the PIs are well suited to address the question;
- each PI brings essential expertise;
- the project is genuinely integrated.
Do not leave the synergy argument until Part B2. It must already be visible in Part B1.
How Synergy Grant evaluation differs
Unlike individual ERC grants, Synergy Grant applicants do not choose one fixed ERC panel. Instead, they select descriptors from the full ERC list and provide keywords that describe the proposal.
The evaluation then follows a specific 3-step process.
Step 1: Generalist review of Part B1
At step one, reviewers assess Part B1, the abstract, and the CVs and track records of the PIs.
They act as generalists. This means the proposal must be clear, concise and understandable to scientists who may not be specialists in each part of the project.
At this stage, reviewers consider the quality of the idea, the potential impact and the qualifications of the PI team.
Dynamic subpanels
Synergy Grant evaluation uses a more flexible structure than individual ERC calls.
At the end of Step 1, proposals are grouped into 5-7 subpanels, based on the research areas covered by applications that advance to Step 2. Each panel member is not limited to attend their specific panel of assignment, but they can attend other discussion panels when their expertise is needed.
This dynamic structure helps ensure that each proposal is discussed by reviewers with the right breadth and depth of expertise.
For applicants, the practical lesson is clear: descriptors, keywords and the abstract must be accurate and informative. They help ensure the proposal reaches suitable reviewers.
Step 2: Full proposal review
At Step 2, reviewers assess the complete proposal, including Part B2, methodology, resource allocation, team organisation and budget.
External reviewers with specialist expertise may also be involved.
This stage examines whether the project is scientifically strong, feasible and well organised. It also tests whether the synergy argument holds up in the detailed work plan.
Step 3: The Synergy Grant interview
Applicants who reach Step 3 are invited to an interview. Unlike individual ERC interviews, Synergy Grant interviews are held in person in Brussels and all PIs are expected to attend.
The interview is designed not only to clarify scientific questions, but also to assess the team dynamic. The panel wants to see whether the PIs can discuss the project together, respond coherently and demonstrate genuine integration.
The interview may address:
- risky objectives;
- contingency plans;
- methodology;
- resource allocation;
- task distribution;
- the role of each PI;
- how the team will work together;
- why the project requires a Synergy Grant.
The team should practise together extensively. The panel should not see separate individuals defending separate subprojects. It should see a team with a shared, integrated scientific vision.
How to show real synergy
A strong Synergy proposal should make the integration visible throughout the application.
This can be done by:
- framing the project around one major research question;
- showing how each PI contributes to that question;
- linking work packages across PIs;
- avoiding isolated project sections;
- explaining interdependencies between methods and aims;
- showing joint decision-making and management;
- demonstrating why the project cannot be done by one PI alone.
The synergy argument should be explicit but not repetitive. Reviewers should feel that the team structure is scientifically necessary.
Common mistakes to avoid
Synergy applicants should avoid:
- building a team based on reputation rather than necessity;
- presenting parallel projects instead of one integrated project;
- leaving team roles vague;
- assuming interdisciplinarity automatically equals synergy;
- underexplaining how the PIs will work together;
- making one PI appear dominant while others look peripheral;
- using descriptors or keywords that do not reflect the project;
- preparing for the interview individually rather than as a team.
Practical checklist for ERC Synergy applicants
Before applying, the PI team should be able to answer:
- What is the central scientific question?
- Why can it not be answered by one PI?
- Why are these specific PIs essential?
- What unique expertise does each PI bring?
- How are the objectives integrated?
- How will decisions be made?
- How will risks be managed across the team?
- How will resources be allocated?
- How will the team present itself at interview?
- Does Part B1 already make the synergy clear?
FAQ: ERC Synergy Grants
- How many PIs can apply for an ERC Synergy Grant?
A Synergy Grant must involve two to four Principal Investigators.
- Can all PIs be from the same institution?
Yes. PIs can be from the same institution or from different institutions and countries.
- Does the project have to be interdisciplinary?
No. Interdisciplinarity is common, but not required. What matters is whether each PI brings essential expertise.
- Are all PIs equal?
Scientifically, yes. One corresponding PI is designated as the main contact point, but all co-PIs are considered equal at the scientific level.
- Is the Synergy interview online?
No. The ERC guidance indicates that Synergy Grant interviews are held in person in Brussels, with all PIs attending.
Need help reshaping your proposal? Or tips on nailing Part I’s narrative punch? Reach out. We are happy to help! Explore our dedicated pages for each ERC call:
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