The European Research Council (ERC) funds several types of grants. There are currently 2 calls: the ERC Consolidator grants and the ERC Advanced grants.
The ERC funds cutting-edge research in all scientific disciplines, so-called frontier research, i.e. research that goes beyond the frontiers of knowledge in a given field to breakthrough discoveries or a significant advance in knowledge in a given scientific area, on a global scale. The Horizon Europe programme allocates €16 billion to the ERC, with 66% of the budget allocated to the category of scientists 2-12 years after obtaining their PhD (ERC Starting and Consolidator grants). The basic principle is to fund the projects of individual scientists (Principal Investigator, PI) and their teams without prescribing any thematic priorities (bottom-up approach). Individuals from all over the world can apply for an ERC grant, provided they choose a host institution in an EU Member State or a country associated to the EU Framework Programme.
1) ERC Consolidator grants
ERC Consolidator grants aim to support the independent careers of outstanding young scientists at the stage when they are consolidating (needing to strengthen or expand) their own independent research team or programme. Formally, applicants can be researchers of any age or nationality who have obtained their Ph.D. more than 7 to 12 years before the fixed date of 1 January of the year covered by the current ERC work programme (i.e. 1 January 2021 for calls under the 2021 work programme). The PI must commit to working on the ERC project at least 40% of the total time and at least 50% of the time in an EU Member State or a country associated to the Framework Programme. The amount of financial support can be up to EUR 2 million. The amount of the ERC grant can be up to € 2 million for a period of five years. In justified cases, additional funding of €1 million may be requested. €.
The grant application is submitted through the Financial Opportunities and Procurement Portal (FTO), where you can also find the project proposal template.
When preparing your project proposals, please refer to the current rules set out in the ERC Work Programme 2023. Please also consult the Guide for Applicants, the so-called "Guide for Applicants". Information for Applicants to the Starting and Consolidator Grant Calls.
The closing date has been set for 2 February 2023 at 17:00:00 (CET).
2) ERC Advanced Grants
ERC Advanced Grants aim to support internationally renowned experts who have already established themselves in the field and made a demonstrable impact. These are exceptional leaders (in terms of the significance of their scientific achievements and their originality) who, in the last 10 years prior to the publication of the call, have demonstrably influenced the field by achieving results that have led to breakthroughs or significant advances in knowledge in the field, on a global scale. The Principal Investigator must commit to working on the ERC project at least 30% of the total time and at least 50% of the time in an EU Member State or a country associated to the Framework Programme. The amount of financial support can be up to €2.5 million. The amount of the ERC grant can be up to € 2.5 million for a period of five years. In justified cases (see above), additional funding of €1 million may be requested. €.
The grant application is submitted through the Financial Opportunities and Procurement Portal (FTO), where you can also find the project proposal template.
When preparing your project proposals, please refer to the current rules set out in the ERC Work Programme 2023. Please also consult the Guide for Applicants, the so-called "Guide for Applicants". Information for Applicants to the Advanced Grant Call.
The closing date has been set for 23 May 2023 at 17:00:00 (CET).
For more information see Calls | Horizon Europe Portal
Source: the Prague Technology Centre