Bristol researchers awarded €3M from European Research Council ERC grants

Two researchers from the University of Bristol have been awarded almost €3M in European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants in recognition of their ‘excellent science’ and potentially ground-breaking research.

The ERC’s Starting Grants support exceptional researchers, between two and seven years from PhD completion to become fully independent research leaders. 

They are particularly intended to enable the researcher to create or strengthen their own research team or programme. The grants are awarded under the 'excellent science' pillar of Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation programme.

The grantees at Bristol will pioneer research on photonics and philosophy.

University of Bristol recipients of the ERC Starting Grants are:

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, said: “The sole criterion for a European Research Council Starting Grant is excellence. We are very pleased that Johannes and Jonathan have been recognised by the ERC and that both have been successful.

“These grants recognise exceptional researchers transitioning to research leaders in their fields. The two grants awarded to Johannes and Jonathan have a combined value of almost €3M – a significant amount that will enable them to pursue their ground-breaking research for which the University is renowned.”