ERC Ambassador: Professor Susi Geiger appointed as advocate for frontier research in Europe
2 May 2025
Professor Susi Geiger, UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business
The European Research Council (ERC) and the Association of ERC Grantees (AERG) has named (opens in a new window)Professor Susi Geiger an '(opens in a new window)Ambassador for the ERC network', part of a new programme aiming to explain how research greatly benefits the economy and society.
Serving as an advocate for frontier research in Europe, Professor Geiger will engage with policymakers, the media, and local research communities to promote and safeguard fundamental research and researcher independence.
"I am delighted to be part of this initiative to profile and defend the centrality of independent frontier research," she said.
"This mission feels particularly crucial at this point in time when the value of free, fundamental science that supports a democratic, livable future is under attack from various sides."
"The role entails advocating for the value of independent frontier research through the EU Horizon programmes and similar schemes. It means liaising with organisations including the Ministry, Research Ireland and the National Contact Points as well as higher education institutions across the country to argue for support for fundamental research and researcher independence.
"It also means connecting with other ambassadors to share best practice and create a European-wide network of grassroots advocacy for frontier research."
A full Professor of Marketing & Market Studies at UCD College of Business, Professor Geiger is among 32 ERC grantees chosen as ambassadors for the ERC from 21 EU Member States as well as five associated countries.
She previously led the ERC Consolidator-funded project 'Misfires and Market Innovation: Toward a Collaborative Turn in Organising Markets' (MISFIRES) from 2018 to 2024.
We are proud to launch the new "Ambassadors for the ERC" initiative, together with Association of ERC Grantees!
— European Research Council (ERC) (@ERC_Research) (opens in a new window)April 29, 2025
We aim to empower researchers across Europe to advocate for frontier research. Learn more (opens in a new window)https://t.co/cZalOEktQB
Excited to see what will be achieved! (opens in a new window)#Amb4ERC (opens in a new window)pic.twitter.com/tofyFv7CTL
The new ambassadors work across diverse domains, from life sciences to social sciences and humanities, to physical sciences and engineering.
“I hope the ambassadors will become recognisable faces of ERC-funded research," said Maria Leptin, ERC President.
"This network has great potential to advocate effectively for frontier research across Europe. Together, we must keep reminding our fellow citizens why funding frontier research is not optional, and why it is essential for Europe's long-term health and prosperity."
"We were delighted to see the high level of interest for this new initiative and the scientific diversity of applicants for this first selection. The results highlight a strong resonance and belief in the mission," added Axel Cleeremans, President of the AERG.
Appointed following a competitive selection process, the ERC Ambassadors will work together with the ERC National Contact Points (NCPs), who have a primary role in providing guidance, practical information and assistance to local researchers in their own language, on all aspects related to Horizon Europe.
The mandate of the ambassadors is for one year with a possible renewal of up to six times based on the expression of interest.
The AERG and the ERC hope to expand the 'Ambassadors for the ERC' network in the future to include more EU Member States and Associated Countries.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations (with materials from UCD Research and Innovation)
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
