Synergy Grants aim to make substantial progress at the frontiers of knowledge. They are open to new methods and technologies, unconventional approaches and research at the interface between disciplines. One of the Principal Investigators (with the exception of the Corresponding PI) may work at an institution outside the EU or associated countries.
ERC Synergy Grant calls are open to all topics and disciplines. The applications are processed exclusively according to the criterion of scientific excellence assessed.
The evaluation takes place in three stages. In the first stage a short application is assessed by at least three ERC reviewers (panel members) according to the sub-criteria excellence of the project and excellence of the principal investigators.
In the second stage the evaluation is carried out on the basis of the complete application. The evaluation is carried out by one of five dynamically designed reviewer panels. The flexible and interdisciplinary composition of the panels is intended to ensure the best possible composition of experts (panel members). In addition, the application in stage 2 is also assessed by external referees (remote referees).
In the third stage an interview is held between the remaining Synergy groups and the panel members. At this stage the composition of the panel may change again.
As with all ERC program lines, the decision whether to fund the project rests with the panel members, who are often not specialists in the applicant's research area, but rather act as generalists.