Enspire Science Ltd.

09/07/2026

ERC quick tip: do not self-censor necessary costs.

As ERC deadlines approach, many applicants hesitate when considering whether to request additional funding.

We often hear versions of:

“Will this make my proposal look too expensive?”
“Should I leave it out to improve my chances?”
“What if reviewers like the project but reject the extra budget?”

These are understandable concerns — but they are not usually the right way to think about ERC additional funding.

The better question is:

Is this cost necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the project — and is it clearly justified?

ERC additional funding exists for a reason. It may be relevant for major equipment, access to large research infrastructures, significant fieldwork, relocation costs, or other exceptional costs that are genuinely needed for the project.

So the advice is not: ask because you can.
And it is not: avoid asking because you are worried.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀: 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆.

We prepared a short guide here:
https://buff.ly/7i6zNl9

Discover why ERC additional funding should not be feared

12/05/2026

We're excited to share - our 𝗘𝗥𝗖 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 is live! 🚀

We know you’ve been waiting for this one. With the recent announcements and anticipated 2027 updates making eligibility feel like a moving target, we’ve built the solution to do the heavy lifting for you.

What’s new? First, we’ve introduced a fresh, comfortable interface to make planning your next move easier than ever. Most importantly, the tool is now fully updated based on the latest 2027 eligibility, extension, and restriction rules, ensuring your strategy is built on the most current data.

As always, you can still compare scenarios and plan your applications years ahead.

This version is fresh out of the oven! Try it out, map your path to the ERC, and let us know what you think.

Plan your ERC journey here: 👉 https://enspire.science/erc-eligibility-calculator/

11/05/2026

What a week at EARMA Utrecht!
Our team was out in full force, sharing insights and learning from the best in the research management community.

From Yoram's collaborative discussions on the vital link between KTOs and research management to Andreas's consortia management strategies and Marianna’s ERC session on the final day - it was a packed agenda!

We loved getting out from behind our desks to meet the people who make European research happen. To everyone who attended our sessions or stopped us for a chat, thank you!

The conference is over, but we’re still here if you want to keep the conversation going. If you have a lingering question or just want to chat through an idea, don’t hesitate to reach out:
👉 Let's talk: https://buff.ly/BonqzHj

05/05/2026

Targeting Horizon Europe Pillar II this autumn? ⏳
Give your future self a head start.

September and October 2026 might feel far away, but for a winning Horizon Europe proposal, time is your best ally. Starting early isn’t about rushing—it’s about having the luxury of time to build something truly standout.

If you’re looking to navigate these deadlines with a clear strategy and a calm schedule, we’re ready to jump in whenever you are:

🔗 Strategic Support: https://enspire.science/services/individual-services/
🔗 Project Management: https://buff.ly/oApxcnV

Brush up on the essentials with our expert guides:
📚 Consortium Building: https://buff.ly/8ZpuLx8
✨ Innovation Claims: https://buff.ly/yJp1Y6m
📈 Impact Guide: https://buff.ly/T1CqrtB
⚙️ Implementation Tips: https://buff.ly/opofPh1

Know someone starting a consortium? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

21/04/2026

New Article: The Horizon Europe Financial Audit – Practical Insights from the Front Lines 🔍

Most beneficiaries expect a financial audit, but few are prepared for the "no stone unturned" approach of a real-world review.

Having recently navigated a combined audit for two of our Actual Cost projects, we’re sharing what actually happens when the auditors arrive. It’s less about simple "bookkeeping" and more about the consistency and timing of your internal records.

Unexpected highlights include:
🔹 The Timing Factor: Why auditors may check file metadata to verify when records were actually created.
🔹 Individual Interviews: How conversations with team members help auditors verify that real-world behavior matches your documented processes.
🔹 The "Bible": Why internal logic and "reasonable decisions" mean nothing if they aren't explicitly aligned with the AGA.

Project Coordinators: If you are navigating these complexities and want to discuss audit readiness or potential exposure, feel free to reach out.

We’re happy to share more from our experience.

👉 Read the full "Front Line" report: https://buff.ly/PLVo3nj

A practical guide to Horizon Europe financial audit based on real experience. Learn what auditors check, common risks, and how to prepare your EU-funded project.

14/04/2026

With the 𝐄𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 May deadline fast approaching, many consortia are now in the critical phase of finalising their proposals. ⏳

Because the Pathfinder Open requires a rare combination of radical scientific vision and a high-risk, high-gain methodology, the "final polish" of a submission is often where the most important strategic decisions are made.

To support applicants during this window, we are featuring our EIC Pathfinder Open Hub - a compiled resource of our insights on the scheme’s unique requirements.

This collection serves as a strategic roadmap for:
🔹 Aligning your project with the EIC’s definition of 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
🔹 Balancing 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 with a credible methodology.
🔹 Navigating the specific expectations for 𝐓𝐑𝐋 𝟏–𝟒 transitions.
🔹 Final checks on eligibility and the "high-risk/high-gain" threshold.

If you are currently fine-tuning your submission, use this guide as a final benchmark to ensure your proposal meets the EIC's specific expectations.

👉 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://enspire.science/eic-pathfinder-open-guide/

Take a deep dive into the EIC Pathfinder Open grant with our dedicated guide and articles that cover the basics and more.

08/04/2026

Enspire Science is headed to Utrecht! 🇳🇱

We are thrilled to announce that our team will be out in full force at the EARMA Annual Conference 2026. Under this year's theme, "Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact", we are bringing hands-on insights to the stage to help navigate the landscape of European research funding toward greater impact.

Meet our speakers and their sessions:

🔹 Andrea Motola, our collaborative projects lead, will present "Keep Calm and Manage the Conflict", offering real-world diplomacy strategies for RMAs leading international consortia.
🔹 Marianna Riutin, our ERC strategy expert, will break down the "2026 ERC Proposal Restructure", sharing practical lessons and insights from the very first 2026 applicants.
🔹 Yoram Bar-Zeev, our insightful Director, will be contributing to a series of roundtable discussions on "Keeping an Entrepreneurial Eye on RM", exploring the vital link between KTOs and research management.

We are looking forward to reconnecting with our community and sharing best practices in person. Will you be there? Let’s grab a coffee! ☕️

📍 Utrecht, The Netherlands 📅 May 5–7, 2026
Full programme & registration: https://event.fourwaves.com/earmaconferenceutrecht2026/pages