Two researchers from FSW receive the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant
Researchers Andrea Evers and Diana Suhardiman have been awarded the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). This grant, worth up to €2.5 million, will allow them to conduct groundbreaking research over the next five years.
Expectations as medicine
Andrea Evers
Andrea Evers has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant for her project CONTEXT MATTERS, which investigates how conscious expectations and automatic bodily responses can positively or negatively influence treatment outcomes. Drawing on learning theory, neuroscience, and behavioral research, Evers aims to understand how past treatment experiences affect current responses—and whether targeted psychological or pharmacological strategies can enhance effectiveness. The findings could pave the way for more efficient, personalized treatments with fewer side effects and lower healthcare costs.
Local responses to global climate challenges
Diana Suhardiman
Diana Suhardiman has received an ERC Advanced Grant for her research on grassroots climate adaptation in Southeast Asia. Her project explores how local communities use traditional institutions and knowledge systems to cope with climate change, and how these practices interact with broader governance structures. By combining historical analysis and fieldwork, Suhardiman aims to uncover how power dynamics shape adaptive responses, contributing to more inclusive and equitable approaches to climate governance.
About the ERC Advanced Grants
The European Research Council awards several grants each year to top researchers in Europe. The Advanced Grants are intended for excellent researchers who have conducted leading research over the past ten years. The funding enables them to carry out innovative, high-risk projects that push the boundaries of science. The competition is extremely tough: only a small percentage of applications are successful.
With this award, the ERC once again highlights the strong position of Andrea Evers and Diana Suhardiman in the international research landscape.
Want to apply for an Advanced Grant yourself? Register now for the ERC Advanced Grant 2025 (deadline August 28, 2025).