Our Values
Science
We are passionate about science and its potential to shape the future. We believe that through research, our understanding of the world will deepen and our lives will improve.
Action
We are committed to advancing science and strengthening Grenoble’s research ecosystem. Our daily efforts focus on stimulating innovative ideas and supporting researchers as they interact with the European research funding system.
Adaptability
We believe in the power of diverse perspectives. By offering constructive feedback and empathetic support, we help researchers refine their ideas and adapt to the challenges of the ERC application process.
Our Team
Meet the team dedicated to helping you succeed :
IMAG Courtyard
Office and equipment at candidates' disposal
Fostering Science Office
- Rosa Bernal Carrera, Director
Rosa is a senior European Affairs Officer with 20 years of experience at prominent research institutions in France, including CNRS, IPGP, and Inria. Since 2009, she has supported researchers in France throughout the entire lifecycle of ERC projects, from ideation and submission to post-award management. Her extensive expertise in the European research funding landscape, particularly the ERC programme, led to her appointment as ERC National Contact Point, a role she held from 2019 to 2024. In May 2024, Rosa was appointed Director of Fostering Science at the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA). In this role, she now dedicates her full-time efforts to leveraging her knowledge and experience to support Grenoble researchers. - Eric GOURE (PhD), Attractiveness & Individual Excellence Project Manager
With a decade of research experience in chemistry, Eric now focuses on helping researchers develop their ERC projects. Since joining Fostering Science in 2021, he has dedicated his expertise and strong background in research to supporting researchers across all disciplines. - Shauna Bernier O'Donnell, Administrative Officer
Shauna ensures the smooth operation of Fostering Science, managing budgets, external consultancy, and program visibility. Her background in applied languages and political science, combined with her interest for science, makes her an invaluable part of the team.
In addition to our core team, Fostering Science collaborates with international experts in ERC grant proposals to provide tailored support for your research project.
Our history
Fostering Science was established in 2012 with a clear mission: to support Grenoble-based researchers turn groundbreaking ideas into ambitious research projects. We recognized that transforming great ideas into funded projects requires more than just vision—it demands time, resources, and support.
Our program was created to provide researchers with the tools and guidance needed to navigate the complex application process for European funding programs, particularly the European Research Council (ERC). Over time, we’ve specialized in coaching candidates to meet the expectations of ERC program, offering support from the ideation of the project through the whole process until the submission of the research proposal. The Fostering Science team is a dedicated, specialised service, providing accurate information, proofreading services, administrative support and even moral encouragement.
The success of our researchers not only advances science but also enhances the reputation of Grenoble’s vibrant ecosystem of higher education, research, innovation, and technology. Today, Fostering Science has evolved into a comprehensive support program for ERC applicants, fostering scientific dialogue and innovative research practices.
We believe that by working together—researchers and institutions—we can push the boundaries of knowledge with local expertise and dedication.
At Fostering Science, we believe that by working together—researchers and institutions—we can push the boundaries of knowledge with local expertise and dedication.
Credits: Pexels, Lilartsy
Our Mission
We empower researchers to participate in competitive funding calls, supporting them from the initial idea stage through to project selection by ERC panels. Our goal is to help researchers refine their scientific ideas into compelling ERC proposals, regardless of their field of study, as long as the project is grounded in strong scientific arguments.
Through workshops, writing training, and oral presentation coaching, we maximize each candidate’s chances of securing an ERC grant.
