Starting Grant
The European Research Council Starting Grant funds early-career researchers to launch independent, groundbreaking research projects in any scientific field across Europe.
Funder: European Research Council
Due Dates: October 14, 2026 (Full application deadline for ERC Starting Grant 2027)
Funding Amounts: Up to €1.5 million for 5 years, plus up to €1 million additional funding (or up to €2 million for PIs relocating from outside the EU/Associated Country)
Summary: Supports outstanding early-career researchers of any nationality to establish independent research teams in Europe across all scientific fields.
Key Information: Applicants must have defended their PhD between Jan 1, 2017 and Dec 31, 2026 (extensions possible for career breaks).
Description
The European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant is designed to empower early-career researchers who have demonstrated significant potential and are ready to launch independent research careers. The grant is open to researchers of any nationality and supports ambitious, ground-breaking research projects in any field, with no predetermined thematic priorities. Projects must be hosted at a public or private research organization (host institution) located in an EU Member State or Associated Country. The scheme aims to foster the next generation of research leaders by providing the resources and autonomy needed to build and lead a research team, advance frontier science, and enhance Europe’s global scientific competitiveness.
