Support for early career researchers

Generous research funding is allocated to Empa from the EU's budget. Two Empa researchers - Rolf Erni, Manager of the Electron Microscopy Center, and Josep Puigmarti, who works in the Department of Safety and Physiology - will be able to use this to develop their research interests over several years. Empa researchers have been extremely successful in applying for grants from the «European Research Council» (ERC). ERC Grants promote high-achieving researchers, irrespective of their age and experience. They aim to make it easier for early career researchers to make the transition to independent research. The grant intends to allow more experienced researchers to consolidate their own research programme or team. This aims to prevent highly talented researchers from seeking opportunities for promotion elsewhere early in their careers, which may lead to the damaging loss of research talent in Europe.