Do you have an innovative idea that could revolutionize your research field? The European Research Council (ERC), under Horizon Europe, is the leading funding program for frontier research in Europe. With a dedicated budget and evaluation criteria based solely on scientific excellence, the ERC represents an outstanding opportunity for researchers across all disciplines.
ERC, what is it?
The ERC funds the world’s best researchers, regardless of age or nationality, to conduct their research in an EU Member State or an associated country. Its goal is to promote scientific excellence by funding high-risk, high-gain innovative ideas capable of transforming the scientific landscape.
European Research Council: funding schemes
The ERC offers five funding schemes to support different stages of a researcher’s career:
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ERC Starting Grant (StG) (ERC-2025-StG)
Aimed at early-career researchers with 2-7 years of postdoctoral experience, this grant provides up to €1.5 million for a maximum duration of 5 years. The call is expected to open in July, with a deadline in October.
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ERC Consolidator Grant (CoG) (ERC-2025-CoG)
Designed for researchers with 7-12 years of postdoctoral experience, this grant offers funding of up to €2 million for projects lasting up to 5 years. The call opens in September, with a deadline in January.
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ERC Advanced Grant (AdG) (ERC-2025-AdG)
This grant supports established research leaders in funding groundbreaking projects that open new research avenues. Grants can go up to €2.5 million per project, with a maximum duration of 5 years. The call is expected to open in May, with a deadline in August.
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ERC Synergy Grant (SyG) (ERC-2025-SyG)
Targeting teams of 2-4 Principal Investigators, this grant fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations. Funding can reach €10 million for projects lasting up to 6 years. The call is expected to open in July, with a deadline in November.
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ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) (ERC-2025-PoC)
This additional funding is designed for ERC grant holders who wish to explore the commercial or societal potential of their research results. The maximum funding amount is €150,000 for up to 18 months. There are no specific deadlines, but periodic cut-off dates apply.
ERC sectors and beneficiaries
ERC funding is available to researchers of any nationality who carry out their research project at a host organization located in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe. ERC projects are evaluated exclusively based on scientific excellence. There are no predefined thematic priorities or specific sectors within the ERC, ensuring complete freedom to propose innovative and pioneering ideas.
ERC research fields, challenges, and opportunities
ERC projects are evaluated exclusively on scientific excellence. There are no predefined thematic priorities or sectors, allowing researchers complete freedom to propose innovative and pioneering ideas. Competition is fierce, with success rates around 10-15%. However, winning an ERC grant is a significant career milestone, offering recognition and funding for cutting-edge research.
More information
For detailed ERC guidelines, calls, and application procedures, visit the official websites:
Social IT: specialist in ERC support
Navigating the ERC application process can be complex, but the expert team at Social IT is here to help. With years of experience in European funding consultancy, we provide tailored support at every stage of the project, from proposal writing to administrative management.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your research idea into reality. Contact us to discover how we can support your journey towards scientific excellence.
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