European Research Council (ERC)

Boosting the excellence of individual researchers

The European Research Council (ERC) encourages Europe’s brightest minds to develop high-risk, ground-breaking projects of a fundamental nature which prepare society for the needs of a knowledge-based society, address global challenges, and raise the global profile of European frontier research.

ERC grants are personal excellence (individual) grants which encourage the highest quality research in Europe. They are awarded through open competition to starting and established researchers, based in Europe or moving to work in Europe, irrespective of their nationality. Being ‘investigator-driven’, ERC grants allow researchers to identify new opportunities and directions in any field of research, the sole criterion for success being scientific excellence. The aim here is to recognise the best ideas, confer status and visibility on the best brains in Europe, and attract talent from abroad. Based on the stage of your scientific career, you can apply for an ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, or Proof of Concept grant.

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ERC in short

Intended audience Intended audience

Researchers with at least 2 years of scientific experience following their PhD.

Type of funding Type of funding

Public funding.

Total budget Total budget

16 billion euros (2021-2027).

EIC grant schemes

  • For researchers with 2 to 7 years of experience after PhD
  • Funding can go up to 1.5 million euros for a period of 5 years; an additional 1 million euros can be requested

  • For researchers with 7 to 12 years of experience after PhD
  • Funding can go up to 2 million euros for a period of 5 years; an additional 1 million euros can be requested

  • For excellent established researchers who are leaders in their field of research
  • Funding can go up to 2.5 million eurosfor a period of 5 years; an additional 1 million euros can be requested

  • A group of 2 to maximum 4 Principal Investigators (PIs), working together and bringing different skills and resources to tackle ambitious research problems
  • Funding can go up to 10 million euros for a period of 6 years, an additional 4 million euros can be requested

  • For all Principal Investigators in one of the above ERC main grants
  • To explore the commercial and societal potential of their work
  • Lump sum of 150,000 euros for a period of 18 months

Is your project eligible for funding?

  • Excellence is the sole criterion on the basis of which ERC fundings are awarded
  • Any field of research is eligible
  • The research must be conducted in a public or private research organisation in one of the EU Member States or associated countries.

70+
ERC proposals supported yearly

25+
ERC PoC proposals won for top research clients

50%
average success rate

How can PNO Innovation help you with your ERC application?

Our experts can guide you through your ERC application process, ensuring your project aligns with the fund’s objectives. We offer comprehensive services including grant project management, identifying the most suitable and skilled partners and impact assessments to give you insight into the expected impact of your project.

A few of our ERC experts

Start your ERC application

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