Co-constructing the ERC proposal: grant writing support professionals, domains of expertise and value conflicts

In recent years, universities have hired a growing number of professionals to support their researchers with grant writing and increase the competitiveness of proposals. A specific target of support activities are proposals to the European Research Council (ERC), as receiving grants from this funder is seen as particularly prestigious for both individual researchers and their institutions. This article explores the practices and professional identities of grant writing support (GWS) professionals who assist academics in Germany in grant writing for the ERC. Drawing on interviews and participant observation at GWS events, we analyse how GWS professionals define their specific knowledge and expertise; how they advise researchers to write their proposals; and what they understand as the possible implications of their activities for academic knowledge and culture. In conclusion, we show that some of the values that GWS professionals impart on academics appear reactionary and conflict with contemporary reform movements in academia.