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European Research Council (ERC) Grants

ERC Starting Grant

Funds early-career researchers building an independent research team and pursuing frontier research through an ERC Starting Grant hosted at a public or private research organisation.

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Eligibility · EU member states

The European Research Council (ERC) runs the Starting Grant as its entry-level award for early-career scientists doing frontier research. The European Commission set up the ERC to fund research chosen on scientific merit alone, in any field. The current round is Starting Grant 2027 (ERC-2027-STG), and it is open for applications now.

The grant pays up to EUR 1,500,000 for a project lasting up to …

Any field of research, chosen by the applicant on the strength of the science alone — the ERC does not limit the Starting Grant to a particular discipline or thematic priority.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.14 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.60 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 30 Jul 2026Source: erc.europa.eu