Research Newsletter - Issue 113: Information and Updates

The European Research Executive Agency is inviting experts from diverse fields to register in the European Commission’s experts database, from which they select the most suitable experts to evaluate project funding applications under Horizon Europe and other EU programmes, as well as to monitor the implementation of projects.  This is a valuable opportunity to network with other specialists and share and learn from the experts’ community.

They are currently looking for experts in the following fields:

• Social Sciences and humanities 

• Environmental science and natural resources 

• Circular economy and sustainability 

• Health and life sciences 

• Policy, governance and ethics

Check the full list of expertise the REA is currently looking for and learn more about the role and the registration process on their “Work as an expert” page.

Contact:  Sophie Ball, Senior Erasmus+ Development Officer

The ERC plans to launch the grant competitions under its 2027 Work Programme between July 2026 and June 2027, with the calls for proposals introducing several changes to the eligibility rules for applications.  With these measures, the Scientific Council responds to the evolving career patterns among researchers and to the rapidly increasing number of applications, which is placing growing pressure on peer reviewers and the ERC executive agency. 

The planned changes for the 2027 Work Programme follow several adjustments introduced in the previous work programme and include:

• New eligibility windows for Starting and Consolidator Grants
• New applications restrictions
• New resubmission restrictions

For more details on the planned changes for the ERC 2027 calls and the rationale behind them, see ERC’s press release (16 April 2026). 

Research Ireland have developed detailed guidance and information to support applicants in preparing their Narrative CV for Research Ireland funding calls.  They outline the purpose and structure of the Narrative CV, the types of contributions that may be included and important rules regarding what types of metrics are not permitted. 

Please note that the following are not permitted to be included in Narrative CVs:

• H-index, i10-index, G-index, H(2)-index, HG-index, Q2-index, AR-index, M-quotient, M-index, W-index, Hw-index, E-index, A-index, R-index, W-index, J-index, FWC-index 
• Altmetrics attributed to publications
• Hyperlinks and URLs (e.g. links to an applicant’s institutional profile, ResearchGate, Google Scholar; events webpage; publications etc.)
• Hyperlinks to Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs)
• Details of research funding record

Please make sure to review Research Ireland’s guidance (including the FAQ document) in full before submitting your application to Research Ireland.  Failure to comply with these Narrative CV rules will deem your Research Ireland application ineligible.

DORA have launched a short community survey which will inform their Strategic Plan for 2027-2030.  They are keen to hear from all research stakeholders about where DORA has made the greatest impact, as well as where there is more to do.  The survey is open until  30 April 2026.