ENGINEERINGNET / EUROPE – The funded projects cover topics in domains as varied as neurosciences, engineering, architecture and human rights.
One researcher, for instance, explores ways to develop a tablet PC, which could be used by both clinicians and family members to detect consciousness after coma in real-time.
Another one aims to commercialize flexible and stretchable electronics to equip energy efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.
A few other topics: nanodrugs for targeted treatments of cancer, a digital tool for collaborative mapping and advocacy, a portable and highly-sensitive optical technology for diagnosing inflammatory diseases.
European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn: “Up till now we helped over 140 researchers to test the market potential of their frontier research. Bringing the best ideas to market means more jobs."
However in the scheme of the total ERC budget, Proof of Concept funding only represents a small portion: about 10 million euros, of which half for this first round.
And the grants are only open to scientists who already previously received funding.
BACKGROUND
Set up in 2007 by the EU, the European Research Council is the first pan-European funding organisation for frontier research. It aims to stimulate scientific excellence in Europe by encouraging competition for funding between the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age.
