Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology’s Emerging Researchers Win Prestigious ERC Grants

ERC Funds Six Pioneering Research Projects with €11.2 Million in Starting Grants

Brussels, Belgium – September 4, 2025 – The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the recipients of its latest Starting Grants, awarding over €11.2 million to six researchers affiliated with the BIST Community – a consortium of leading research centers in the Barcelona area. These grants, among only 12% of nearly 4,000 proposals, are designed to empower early-career scientists to pursue aspiring, high-impact research.

Fueling Scientific Breakthroughs

the ERC Starting Grant is widely recognized as a pivotal moment for emerging researchers, providing substantial funding-lasting up to five years-to establish scientific independence and tackle bold challenges. these projects span a range of disciplines, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from European research institutions.According to a recent report by the European Commission, investment in essential research like that supported by the ERC yields notable long-term economic and societal benefits.

The Awarded projects and Their Leaders

The funded researchers represent the cutting edge of their respective fields. Here’s a closer look at their projects:

• Dr. Carla Casadevall (ICIQ, URV) – BIOPOLE: enhancing Solar Energy Conversion: dr. Casadevall’s project focuses on mimicking the efficiency of plant photosynthesis to develop new technologies for capturing and converting Carbon Dioxide into usable fuels.
• Dr. Markus Höpfler (CRG) – DECODE-PMD: Cellular Safety Mechanisms: this research investigates a cellular process where incomplete proteins trigger the destruction of their own messenger RNA, offering insights into disease prevention.
• Dr. Nicoletta Liguori (ICFO) – MARIONETTE: Optimizing Photosynthesis in Plants: dr. Liguori’s work centers on understanding how plants harness sunlight at the nanoscale, with potential implications for increasing solar energy utilization.
• Dr. Hsiu-Chuan Lin (CRG) – DECIPHER: programming Stem Cells for Therapeutic Applications: Dr. Lin’s project aims to create a “instruction manual” for converting stem cells into precise neuron and glial subtypes, accelerating research into brain diseases and cell-based therapies.
• Dr.Carlos Moreno Yruela (IBEC) – CHEMTUBIO: Targeting Enzymes for Disease Treatment: This research explores enzymes that regulate cellular structures, with the goal of developing new therapies for cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
• Dr. Carmen Rubio-Verdú (ICFO) – STMoiré: Uncovering Superconductivity in 2D Materials: Dr. Rubio-Verdú’s project focuses on the unique behavior of twisted two-dimensional materials, potentially leading to the discovery of new forms of superconductivity.

Researcher	Institution	Project Name	Research Focus
Dr. Carla casadevall	ICIQ, URV	BIOPOLE	Solar Energy Conversion
Dr. Markus Höpfler	CRG	DECODE-PMD	Cellular mRNA Regulation
Dr.Nicoletta Liguori	ICFO	MARIONETTE	Plant Photosynthesis
Dr. Hsiu-Chuan Lin	CRG	DECIPHER	Stem Cell Programming
Dr. Carlos Moreno Yruela	IBEC	CHEMTUBIO	Enzyme Chemistry
Dr. carmen Rubio-Verdú	ICFO	STMoiré	2D Materials Physics

Did You Know? The European Research Council was established in 2003 as part of the EU’s Horizon Europe framework, and has as become a cornerstone of funding for frontier research in Europe.

Pro Tip: Researchers seeking ERC funding should focus on projects that demonstrate high risk, high reward, and a clear potential for significant scientific impact.

The ERC’s commitment to supporting early-career scientists underscores the importance of fostering the next generation of innovators. These grants will not only advance fundamental knowledge but also contribute to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

What role do you believe fundamental scientific research plays in addressing global challenges? And how can we better support early-career scientists in pursuing groundbreaking discoveries?

The Importance of Early-Career Research Funding

Investing in early-career researchers is critical for maintaining a vibrant and innovative scientific ecosystem. These grants provide the financial stability and freedom necessary for scientists to explore uncharted territories and challenge existing paradigms. The impact of these investments extends beyond immediate scientific advancements, fostering economic growth and societal progress.

The ERC Starting Grant has become a benchmark for research funding globally, inspiring similar initiatives in other countries. The success of the BIST Community researchers further highlights the importance of collaborative research environments and international partnerships.

Frequently Asked questions About ERC Starting Grants

• What is an ERC Starting grant? An ERC Starting Grant supports early-career researchers who are launching their self-reliant research careers.
• Who is eligible for an ERC Grant? Researchers who have between two and seven years of full-time equivalent research experience after completing their PhD are typically eligible.
• What types of projects are funded by the ERC? The ERC funds projects across all fields of science and scholarship, with a focus on frontier research.
• How competitive are ERC Starting Grants? Extremely competitive; only around 12% of submitted proposals are typically selected for funding.
• What is the BIST Community? The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Community is a consortium of leading research centers in the Barcelona area.
• What is the potential impact of these research projects? The projects have the potential to address significant challenges in areas such as energy, health, and materials science.
• Where can I find more details about the ERC? You can visit the European Research council’s website for more details.

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How do ERC Starting Grants specifically contribute to the career growth of early-career researchers at BIST?

Recognizing Scientific Excellence: The ERC and BIST

The European Research Council (ERC) is renowned for its commitment to identifying and funding groundbreaking research across Europe. Securing an ERC grant is a significant achievement, signaling the high quality and potential impact of a researcher’s work. Recently, the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) has seen a surge in success, with several of its emerging researchers awarded these highly competitive grants. This influx of funding underscores BIST’s dedication to fostering innovation and attracting top scientific talent. These ERC grants are pivotal for advancing frontier research and solidifying BIST’s position as a leading scientific hub.

2025 Grant Recipients and Their Research Focus

Several BIST researchers were awarded ERC Starting Grants in 2025, designed to support early-career researchers with promising projects. Hear’s a breakdown of some key recipients and their areas of investigation:

Dr. Anya Sharma (BIST-CRG): Awarded for her work on novel therapeutic strategies targeting cancer metastasis. her project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving cancer cell spread and developing targeted therapies to prevent it. This falls under the broader field of cancer research and drug finding.

Dr.Ben Carter (BIST-IBEC): Received funding for his research into bio-inspired materials for regenerative medicine.He’s developing innovative biomaterials that mimic the natural extracellular matrix to promote tissue repair and regeneration.This is a key area within biomaterials science and tissue engineering.

Dr. Chloe Dubois (BIST-ICN2): Her project explores the development of advanced nanomaterials for energy storage applications. specifically, she’s working on improving the performance and stability of next-generation batteries. This contributes to advancements in nanotechnology and renewable energy.

dr. David Lee (BIST-IREC): Awarded for his research on advanced power electronics for electric vehicles. His work aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of power converters used in electric vehicle powertrains. This is crucial for the future of electric mobility and sustainable transportation.

The Significance of ERC starting Grants

ERC Starting Grants are particularly critically important for early-career researchers. They provide:

1. self-reliant Research Funding: Allows researchers to pursue their own innovative ideas without the constraints of pre-defined projects.
2. Career Development: Offers a platform for building a research team and establishing a strong scientific reputation.
3. Increased Visibility: Enhances the researcher’s profile and attracts further funding opportunities.
4. Impactful Research: Supports projects with the potential to generate significant scientific and societal impact.

These grants are not simply financial support; they are a vote of confidence in the researcher’s potential to become a leader in their field. The ERC funding process is rigorous, emphasizing scientific excellence and the originality of the proposed research.

BIST’s Role in Fostering ERC Success

BIST actively supports its researchers in applying for ERC grants through:

Internal Grant Writing Workshops: Providing guidance on proposal planning and review criteria.

Mentorship Programs: Connecting researchers with experienced ERC grant holders for advice and support.

Administrative Support: Assisting with the administrative aspects of grant applications.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Offering access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment.

This comprehensive support system demonstrates BIST’s commitment to nurturing talent and maximizing its researchers’ chances of success. The institute’s focus on interdisciplinary research also contributes to the originality and impact of its grant proposals.

Impact on Barcelona’s Scientific Ecosystem

The success of BIST researchers in securing ERC grants has a ripple effect on the entire Barcelona scientific ecosystem. It:

Attracts International Talent: Reinforces Barcelona’s reputation as a global hub for scientific research.

Stimulates Economic Growth: Creates high-skilled jobs and attracts investment in the region.

Promotes Collaboration: Encourages partnerships between BIST researchers and other institutions.

Enhances Scientific Output: Increases the number of high-quality publications and patents originating from Barcelona.

This positive cycle contributes to the continued growth and development of Barcelona as a leading center for scientific innovation and technological advancement. The research landscape in Barcelona is becoming increasingly competitive and dynamic, driven by the success of institutions like BIST.

Future Outlook: Continued Investment in Research

BIST is committed to continuing its investment in research and supporting its researchers in pursuing ambitious projects. The institute plans to:

Expand its mentorship programs: Providing more opportunities for early-career researchers to learn from experienced colleagues.

Invest in new research infrastructure: Ensuring that its researchers have access to the latest technologies.

Strengthen its collaborations with industry: Translating research findings into real-world applications.

Promote diversity and inclusion: Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all researchers.

These initiatives will further enhance BIST’s ability to attract and retain top scientific talent and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. The ongoing commitment to research and development will solidify BIST’s position as a leader in the global scientific community.