Unrestricted capital of up to €2.5 million is available for established research leaders to develop pioneering, ground-breaking projects. The European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant supports researchers with a proven track record of significant scientific achievements over the last ten years.
Overview
The Advanced Grant is highly competitive and focuses on funding ambitious ideas that have the potential to create lasting international impact. With a total budget pool of €746.7 million allocated for the 2026 cycle, the ERC expects to fund approximately 324 innovative projects across all disciplines.
Benefits
This grant delivers substantial, long-term financial backing.
- Funding Amount: Up to €2.5 million in funding for a period of five years.
- Additional Capital: In specific circumstances, additional funding may be awarded for major equipment purchases or relocation expenses.
- Autonomy: Provides the principal investigator with complete independence to lead their research agenda and build a dedicated team.
Eligibility
The ERC maintains rigorous quality standards for its applicants.
- Career Stage: You must be an exceptional leader demonstrating originality and significance in your research contributions.
- Academic Requirements: There are no specific eligibility criteria regarding academic degrees; evaluation relies purely on your active research track record.
- Geography: The principal investigator can be of any nationality but must conduct the research in a public or private institution based in an EU Member State or Associated Country.
How to Apply
Applications must feature an exceptionally well-developed research proposal.
- Deadline: Submit your proposal by August 27, 2026, at 17:00 Brussels time.
- Evaluation: Proposals are evaluated in two steps, with interviews for retained applicants occurring in early March 2027.
- Submit: Applications must be lodged through the official EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
