Unlock European Research Grants: ERC Starting Grant Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers

Discover how the ERC Starting Grant can provide up to €1.5 million to early-career researchers aiming to establish their independent teams within the European Union.

Introduction

Embarking on a research career in Europe presents a wealth of opportunities, especially with the support of prestigious Research Grants Europe programs. Among these, the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant stands out as a premier funding avenue designed to empower early-career researchers. This grant offers substantial financial backing, enabling talented scientists to pioneer groundbreaking projects and establish their independent research teams across the EU.

Who Can Apply?

The ERC Starting Grant is tailored for researchers who are in the early stages of their careers but have already demonstrated significant potential through their previous work. To be eligible:

• Experience: Applicants should have 2-7 years of experience post-PhD.
• Nationality: Researchers of any nationality can apply.
• Track Record: A strong scientific track record showcasing promise is essential.
• Research Proposal: A compelling and innovative research proposal is required.

Extension of Eligibility

Life events such as maternity, paternity, parental leave, illness, national service, clinical training, natural disasters, asylum, or experiences of violence can extend the eligibility period. Applicants should refer to the Parental Leave webpage and the latest ERC Work Programme for detailed eligibility criteria.

Changes to Eligibility Criteria

Starting from 2023, the ERC has refined its eligibility window for Starting and Consolidator Grants:

• PhD Defense Date: The reference point is now the certified date of the successful PhD defense, rather than the award date. This ensures a fair assessment of career stages across different institutions.

For those whose awarding institutions did not conduct a defense/viva, a written confirmation from the institution stating the approval date is required.

What Proposals Are Eligible?

Criteria

• Research Fields: Applications can be made in any field of research, as ERC grants operate on a bottom-up basis without predetermined priorities.
• Location: Research must be conducted in a public or private research organization within an EU Member State or an associated country.

Host Institution

• Submission: A single Principal Investigator (PI) must submit the application on behalf of their host institution.
• Conditions: The host institution must provide suitable conditions for the PI to lead the research independently and manage the funding.
• Employment: The PI does not need to be employed by the host institution at the proposal submission but must have a mutual agreement if the grant is awarded.

Team

ERC grants support individual researchers who can employ team members of any nationality, including those based outside Europe. Vacancies can be posted on the Euraxess-Jobs portal to attract suitable candidates.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Base Funding: Up to €1.5 million over 5 years (pro-rata for shorter projects).
• Additional Funding: An extra €1 million may be available for essential costs such as start-up expenses, major equipment, access to large facilities, and significant experimental or fieldwork costs. For PIs relocating from non-associated countries, the additional funding can be up to €2 million.

Coverage

• Direct Costs: Up to 100% of eligible direct costs.
• Indirect Costs: A 25% contribution towards the total eligible costs.

How to Apply

Application Process

ERC grant applications are submitted in response to annual Calls for Proposals covering all scientific fields. The application must include:

1. Administrative Forms
2. Research Proposal
3. Supplementary Documents

All components must be submitted by the specified deadline through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pre-Call Preparation:
   – Identify suitable ERC grants and Calls.
   – Select a host institution and potential team members.
   – Seek support from your National Contact Point (NCP).

2. During the Call:
   – Thoroughly read the call documents.
   – Collaborate with your host institution to gather necessary details.
   – Draft your proposal and seek feedback from peers and NCPs.
   – Familiarize yourself with the EU submission service and submit early.

3. Post-Submission:
   – Receive an acknowledgment of receipt.
   – The ERC will evaluate the proposal against eligibility criteria.
   – External experts will review eligible proposals based on excellence.

Evaluation Process

Criteria

Excellence is the sole criterion for evaluation, applied to both the research project and the Principal Investigator.

Panels and Reviewers

• Panels: 28 panels across three domains:
  1. Life Sciences (LS)
  2. Physical and Engineering Sciences (PE)
  3. Social Sciences and Humanities (SH)

• Reviewers: Selected international peer reviewers assess proposals, supported by remote experts for specialized insights.

Selection

Proposals meeting the quality threshold are ranked, and grants are awarded based on the available budget. Only the highest-ranked proposals receive funding.

Resources and Support

ERC Dashboard and ERIS

• ERC Dashboard: Filter and export data on ERC-funded projects for detailed analysis.
• ERC Research Information System (ERIS): Advanced tools for data analysis, including text mining and dynamic visualizations.

Instructional Videos

Enhance your application with our comprehensive video guides:
– Getting Started: Watch Now
– Writing Your Proposal: Watch Now
– Evaluation Process: Watch Now
– Preparing for Interviews: Watch Now
– Ethics in Proposals: Watch Now

Deadlines and Key Documents

• Open Call: ERC-2026-StG
• Deadline: 14 October 2025, 17:00 Brussels time
• Key Documents:
• ERC Work Programme 2026
• Info for Applicants 2026
• Guide for Peer Reviewers
• Gender Equality Plans Guidance
• Bias Awareness Documents

Stay updated with the latest evaluation panels and results on the ERC website.

Conclusion

Securing a Research Grants Europe award like the ERC Starting Grant can significantly accelerate your research career, providing the resources and recognition needed to lead innovative projects. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing a robust proposal, and leveraging available resources, early-career researchers can unlock unparalleled opportunities within the European research landscape.

Ready to take the next step in your research journey? Explore how TOPY AI can support your entrepreneurial aspirations.