Horizon Europe: European Research Council - ERC

All fields of science are eligible for funding. Research funded by the ERC aims to push forward the frontiers of science. It sets a clear and inspirational target for frontier research. Renowned scientists and scholars evaluate the ERC proposals in peer review panels.

Budget and calls for proposals

The budget for ERC is 16 billion euros for the period 2021-2027.

ERC publishes several calls for proposals. Each type of grant has a deadline once a year. For more information on calls for proposals, visit the ERC website and the European Commission’s Funding and Tender opportunities portal.

Conditions

ERC offers 4 types of frontier research grants:

• ERC Starting Grant

The budget for this grant is a maximum of 1.5 million euros for 5 years.
For excellent researchers 2 to 7 years after their PhD, who want to start an independent research team or programme.

• ERC Consolidator Grant

The budget for this grant is a maximum of 2 million euros for 5 years.
For excellent researchers 7 to 12 years after PhD, who want to consolidate their independent research team or programme.

• ERC Advanced Grant

The budget for this grant is a maximum of 2.5 million euros for 5 years.
For established research leaders with a recognised track-record of research achievements.

• ERC Synergy Grant

The budget for this grant is a maximum of 10 million euros for 6 years.
To address ambitious research questions that only the coordinated work of a small group of 2-4 principal investigators can answer.

For more information on the different subsidies and conditions, visit the ERC website. Also, we recommend you watch the online ERC classes to learn everything you need to know before applying for an ERC grant.

Questions or advice?

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency hosts the National Contact Point for the European Research Council in Horizon Europe. Contact our ERC advisors for questions and advice on your ERC application or project.