Starting Grant
The ERC Starting Grant funds early-career researchers to launch independent, high-impact research projects in any discipline at EU or associated institutions, based solely on scientific excellence.
Funder: European Research Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application submission deadline for ERC Starting Grant)
Funding Amounts: Up to €1.5 million over 5 years; up to €1 million additional for specific costs (up to €2 million additional for researchers relocating from non-associated countries).
Summary: Supports early-career researchers of any nationality to establish independent research teams in any field at EU or associated institutions, based solely on scientific excellence.
Key Information: This is a forecasted date; eligibility is strictly tied to PhD defense date and extensions for career breaks.
Description
The ERC Starting Grant provides substantial funding for promising early-career researchers who are ready to establish their own independent research teams or programs. The scheme is open to researchers of any nationality and in any discipline, with the sole selection criterion being scientific excellence. Projects must be hosted at a public or private research institution located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. The grant encourages the formation of competitive research teams and supports ambitious, high-risk/high-gain projects at the frontiers of knowledge.
