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 at a glance

Intended audience Intended audience

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

Type of funding Type of funding

Public funding.

Total budget Total budget

16 billion euro (2021-2027).

European Research Council grant schemes

  • For researchers with 2 to 7 years of experience after completing their PhD
  • Funding of up to 1.5 million euro for five years (with an additional 1 million euro available upon request).

  • For researchers with 7 to 12 years of experience after PhD
  • Funding of up to 2 million euro for five years (with an additional 1 million euro available upon request).

  • For outstanding established researchers leading their field
  • Funding of up to 2.5 million euro for five years (with an additional 1 million euro available upon request).

  • For a group of 2 to 4 Principal Investigators (PIs) working together, combining expertise and resources to address ambitious research challenges
  • Funding of up to 10 million euro for six years (with an additional 4 million euro available upon request).

  • Available to all Principal Investigators with an existing ERC grant
  • Aims to explore the commercial and societal potential of research
  • Provides a lump sum of 150,000 euro for a period of 18 months.

Is your project eligible for funding?

  • Excellence is the sole criterion for ERC funding.
  • All fields of research are eligible.
  • Research must be conducted at a public or private research organisation based in an EU Member State or associated country.

70+
ERC proposals supported yearly

25+
ERC PoC proposals won for top research clients

50%
average success rate

How can we help you with your ERC application?

Our experts can guide you through the ERC application process, ensuring your proposal aligns with ERC funding objectives. We provide comprehensive support, including grant project management, partner identification, and impact assessment to maximise your project’s potential.

A few of our ERC funding experts

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