This training provides unique ‘hands-on’ exercises on how to understand and deal with ERC terminology s.a. high risk/high gain – feasibility and proof of concept. The training is based on ‘real’ VIB ERC applications and will allow the participants to get the "reviewers' insight" finding strengths and weaknesses based on the ERC evaluation criteria. In addition, the basics of a strong abstract, and the key steps in writing proposals including SWOT analysis and mitigation plans will be practiced. Finally, we address the importance of the cv and track record and how to ‘pimp’ your cv to an ERC level. We will look at the track records of successful VIB ERC StG and ERC CoG winners to identify the strengths and weaknesses in our own CVs.