Estonian University of Life Sciences professor Ülo Niinemets appointed ERC ambassador

The ERC Ambassadors network is managed by the Association of ERC Grantees (AERG) in cooperation with the European Research Council. The aim of the network is to strengthen the visibility of excellent research in Europe, raise awareness of ERC funding opportunities, and promote dialogue between researchers, policymakers, the media, and the wider public.

In February 2026, the Ambassadors network was expanded, and new ambassadors were appointed from several European countries. Estonia is represented in the network by Ülo Niinemets. The role of ERC ambassadors is to introduce ERC funding schemes to researchers and research institutions and to share their experience in applying for and implementing ERC grants.

The appointment of Ülo Niinemets as an ERC ambassador means that the Estonian University of Life Sciences now has direct access to ERC grant-related experience and expertise. This creates better opportunities for our researchers to obtain information about European research funding and strengthens the university’s position in the international research landscape. The ambassadors are appointed for a one-year term, with the possibility of extension depending on the continued interest and availability of the ERC grantee.

The ERC is the European Union’s leading funding body for frontier research, supporting investigator-driven, high-quality and innovative research projects across all scientific fields. The expansion of the Ambassadors network confirms the commitment of ERC grantees to contribute to the advancement of science and to increase the impact of research-based thinking in Europe.