[European Research Council](https://erc.europa.eu)

October 2026

Up to €1.5 million over 5 years; up to €1 million (or €2 million for relocation from non-associated countries) additional funding possible for justified costs.

Supports outstanding early-career researchers in establishing independent research teams or programs in any field at institutions in the EU or associated countries.

This is a forecasted call; dates and details may change.

--- ## Description The European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant is designed to help talented early-career researchers who have already demonstrated potential for independence to establish their own research teams or programs. Grants are awarded based solely on scientific excellence, using a bottom-up approach that welcomes proposals from all fields of research, including interdisciplinary and unconventional topics. Research must be conducted at a host institution located in an EU Member State or an associated country, with the host institution providing suitable conditions for the Principal Investigator (PI) to lead the research independently and manage the awarded funding. The program aims to foster ambitious, frontier research and develop the next generation of research leaders in Europe. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated deadline for full application:** October 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum grant:** Up to €1,500,000 for a period of 5 years (pro rata for shorter projects) - **Additional funding:** Up to €1,000,000 (or up to €2,000,000 for PIs relocating from non-associated third countries) for specific eligible costs (e.g., major equipment, start-up costs, access to large facilities, major experimental/field work) - **Eligible costs:** 100% of eligible direct costs plus a flat 25% for indirect costs --- ## Eligibility - **Career stage:** Researchers of any nationality with 2–7 years of experience since successful PhD defense by January 1, 2026 (i.e., PhD defended between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023, inclusive) - **Extensions:** Eligibility window can be extended for documented maternity, paternity, parental leave, long-term illness, national service, clinical training, major disasters, asylum, or being a victim of gender-based or other violence - **Host institution:** Must be a public or private legal entity (including universities, research organizations, or companies) in an EU Member State or associated country; must provide a Host Institution Support Letter at application - **PI requirements:** No need to be employed by the host institution at submission, but must be engaged for the duration of the grant if funded; must commit at least 50% of working time to the ERC project and at least 50% of working time in the EU or an associated country - **Field of research:** Open to any field; research must be for civil applications only --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications are submitted via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/calls-for-proposals?programmePeriod=2021%20-%202027&programme=HORIZON&programmePart=ERC) - **Proposal components:** Administrative forms, detailed research proposal (Part I and II), CV and track record, budget, Host Institution Support Letter, and supporting documents for eligibility (e.g., PhD certificate, extension documentation as applicable) - **Evaluation:** Two-step process—Step 1 (written proposal, CV, and track record), Step 2 (full proposal and interview for invited applicants) - **Excellence criterion:** Sole evaluation criterion is scientific excellence (both of the project and the PI) - **Restrictions:** A researcher may hold only one ERC main grant at a time; previous unsuccessful applicants may face restrictions on reapplying (see latest work programme for details) --- ## Additional Information - **Open science:** Immediate open access required for all peer-reviewed publications and research data (as open as possible, as closed as necessary) - **Gender equality:** Host institutions must have a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) or equivalent in place - **Research integrity:** Strict rules apply; breaches may result in exclusion from current and future calls - **Ethics:** All funded projects undergo ethics review; projects must comply with EU and national ethical standards --- ## External Links - [ERC Starting Grant main page](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/starting-grants) - [ERC Work Programme 2026 (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026/wp_horizon-erc-2026_en.pdf) - [Information for Applicants 2026 (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/information-for-applicants_he-erc-stg-cog_en.pdf) - [List of Associated Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp?order=ASC&pageNumber=0&pageSize=50&countries=20000832,20000839,20000841,20000911,20000871,20000872,20000875,20000880,20000885,20000890,20000873,20000902,20000913,20000915,20000922,20000946,20000944,20000945,20000960,20000973,20000986,20000990,20000994,20001005,20001004,20000883,20001001&functions=45785764) - [ERC Rules of Submission and Evaluation (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/erc-rules-for-submission-and-evaluation_he-erc_en.pdf) - [Parental Leave Extension Rules](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/parental-leave) - [ERC Panel Chairs 2026 (PDF)](https://erc.europa.eu/system/files/2025-10/Panel_Chairs_ERC_Starting_Grant_2026.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Link/Email | |------|------------| | ERC General Contact | [Contact the ERC](https://erc.europa.eu/support/contact-us-page) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp?order=ASC&pageNumber=0&pageSize=50&countries=20000832,20000839,20000841,20000911,20000871,20000872,20000875,20000880,20000885,20000890,20000873,20000902,20000913,20000915,20000922,20000946,20000944,20000945,20000960,20000973,20000986,20000990,20000994,20001005,20001004,20000883,20001001&functions=45785764) | | 2026 Starting Grant Applicants | ERC-2026-STG-APPLICANTS@ec.europa.eu | ---

Starting Grant

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