This article is directly based on the official ERC video “How can you best prepare for your ERC interview?”, 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.
Being invited to an ERC interview is already a major achievement. It means that the panel found your proposal strong enough to move beyond the first evaluation stage and wants to hear more from you.
The interview can also feel intimidating. Applicants are asked to present and defend an ambitious project in front of a panel of experienced scientists. The discussion is short, focused and often intense.
The good news is that the ERC interview is not designed to catch applicants out. It is a scientific discussion. The panel wants to clarify points, test your understanding of the project and assess whether you can lead the proposed research.
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What happens before the ERC interview?
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A few weeks before the interview, applicants receive detailed instructions from the ERC. These instructions explain the format, timing and technical requirements.
They may include:
- the total interview duration (usually, 30 minutes);
- whether a presentation is required;
- how long the presentation should be (up to 10 minutes, depending on the call);
- whether slides are allowed;
- which aspects the panel wants you to focus on;
- how the Q&A will be organised;
- technical instructions for joining the online meeting.
Applicants should follow these instructions closely. Each panel may set a different format, so do not rely only on what happened to another applicant in a previous year or another panel.
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Test the technology early
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ERC interviews for individual grants are held online. This makes the technical setup important.
Applicants should test the link, platform, camera, microphone, screen sharing and internet connection before the interview day. They should also use the same room and setup they plan to use during the actual interview.
If the ERC offers or agrees to a technical test, take it seriously. Technical problems can happen, but applicants should do everything possible to reduce avoidable stress.
On the day itself, connect on time, keep your phone nearby in silent mode in case the ERC needs to reach you, and make sure you are in a quiet environment.
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The presentation: focus on substance, not flash
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Some interviews include a short presentation. The timing is strict and may be shorter than applicants expect. In some panels, the presentation may be only a few minutes, leaving more time for questions.
This means every slide and sentence must count.
A strong ERC interview presentation should:
- follow the panel’s instructions;
- focus on the project rather than repeating the full CV;
- highlight the main research question;
- explain what is new and why it matters;
- address feasibility and risks where relevant;
- include important updates since submission, if appropriate;
- avoid unnecessary visual effects or excessive design.
The ERC guidance is clear: applicants are speaking to scientists, not giving a business pitch. A polished presentation is useful, but substance matters more than visual flash.
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Should you include new information?
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The interview can be an opportunity to mention relevant developments since submission. For example, you may have obtained new preliminary results, published a relevant paper or seen an important development in the field that affects the proposal.
However, new information should be used carefully. It should strengthen the panel’s understanding of the project, not distract from the main proposal.
If something has changed in the field and is directly relevant, be transparent and explain how it affects your project.
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The Q&A: be clear, precise and focused
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The Q&A is often the most important part of the interview.
Questions may come from panel members or be based on comments from external reviewers.
Some questions may be prepared in advance. Others may arise during the discussion.
When answering, applicants should aim to be:
- precise;
- concise;
- scientifically grounded;
- honest;
- responsive to the question asked.
Long or indirect answers can create the impression that the applicant is unsure. They also use valuable time. It is better to answer clearly, then add a brief explanation if needed.
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Know your proposal in detail
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Applicants must know every part of their proposal. This includes the objectives, work packages, methods, risks, collaborations, budget and expected outcomes.
You should be ready to answer questions such as:
- Why is this project timely?
- What is the most innovative aspect?
- What are the main risks?
- What will you do if a key method does not work?
- Who are your main competitors?
- Why are the proposed collaborations necessary?
- Why is the budget justified?
- What makes you the right person to lead the project?
If you cannot remember details from your own proposal, the panel may question whether you are fully in command of the project.
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What if you do not know the answer?
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It is acceptable to say that you do not know something. It is better to be honest than to invent an answer.
If you need time to think, it is perfectly fine to take a few seconds to collect your thoughts before you start answering. You can also reason through the question out loud. This allows the panel to see how you approach scientific problems, even if you do not have a perfect answer immediately.
A good response can show intellectual maturity, judgement and flexibility.
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Do not panic if you are interrupted
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Panel members may interrupt if they need clarification or if they want to move to another point. This is not necessarily negative.
They may also return to a question that you thought you had already answered. This usually means that the point is important and they want to make sure it is fully addressed.
Applicants should remain calm, listen carefully and respond directly. The goal is not to deliver a rehearsed monologue. The goal is to have a focused scientific exchange.
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Show your passion
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The interview is a unique opportunity to discuss your ideas with expert colleagues who may offer valuable insights and suggestions.
You have prepared carefully, no one knows your proposal better than you, and you are an expert in your field.
Try to enjoy the moment, while staying focused and clear.
Showing your passion can make a real difference.
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Practise with different audiences
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Practice is essential. Applicants should rehearse the presentation and Q&A many times, ideally with people from different backgrounds.
Practise with:
- close colleagues;
- researchers outside your specific field;
- former ERC applicants or grantees;
- grant officers;
- friends or family, if helpful for clarity;
- mock interview panels.
Practising only with specialists can be risky. If the presentation is too technical, some panel members may struggle to follow the main argument. A non-specialist audience can help identify unclear explanations, jargon and weak transitions.
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Prepare backup slides carefully
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Some panels allow applicants to use backup slides during the Q&A. If allowed, these can be helpful.
Backup slides may cover:
- preliminary data;
- technical details;
- risk mitigation;
- methodological alternatives;
- team structure;
- budget justification;
- comparison with competitors;
- additional figures.
However, backup slides should be easy to navigate. Do not create a large, disorganised deck that slows you down during the interview.
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What not to do after the interview
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Applicants should not contact panel members after the interview. This includes sending clarifications, papers or follow-up messages.
If there is any issue or doubt, applicants should contact the ERC through the official channel, not individual panel members.
Contacting panel members can have serious consequences.
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Practical checklist for ERC interview preparation
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Before the interview, make sure you have:
- read the ERC instructions carefully;
- tested the online platform;
- prepared a presentation that fits the time limit;
- rehearsed under realistic conditions;
- prepared answers to likely questions;
- reviewed every part of the proposal;
- prepared backup slides, if allowed;
- practised with non-specialists;
- checked your camera, microphone and internet connection;
- planned how to handle difficult questions calmly.
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Common mistakes to avoid
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Applicants should avoid:
- exceeding the presentation time;
- spending too long on their CV;
- overselling the project with flashy slides;
- giving long, unfocused answers;
- being defensive when challenged;
- failing to know details of the proposal;
- underestimating generalist panel members;
- practising only with close collaborators;
- contacting panel members after the interview.
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FAQ: ERC interview preparation
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- In what order are interviews scheduled?
There is no specific rule. Interviews may be organised by topic, panel availability, or simply in a practical order. They do not follow alphabetical order or the Step 1 ranking. Do not overthink the time slot you are given: it is not an indication of your chances of success. - Can I test the interview platform in advance?Yes. You can contact the ERC directly and ask to test the platform before the interview. They will usually help you arrange a technical test.
- How long is an ERC interview?
The format varies by panel, but interviews for individual grants often last around 30 minutes, including presentation and Q&A.
- Should I memorise my presentation?
You should know it extremely well, but avoid sounding scripted. The presentation should feel clear, confident and natural.
- Can I use backup slides?
Some panels allow backup slides, but this depends on the instructions. Follow the guidance provided by the ERC.
- What if I make a mistake during the interview?
Stay calm, correct yourself if needed and continue. The panel is assessing your scientific understanding, not looking for perfection.
- Should I contact the panel after the interview to clarify an answer?
No. Do not contact panel members. If there is a procedural or technical issue, use the official ERC contact channel.
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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