The European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant 2026 provides major research funding opportunities for established and leading researchers who want to pursue ambitious, high-risk, high-impact projects across all areas of science.
The grant supports exceptional Principal Investigators (PIs) with strong research track records and provides long-term funding to help them conduct innovative research in Europe and associated countries.
About the ERC Advanced Grant
The ERC Advanced Grant is designed for experienced researchers who have demonstrated significant achievements and leadership in their fields.
Applicants are expected to be:
- Active researchers with outstanding research contributions
- Established scientific leaders
- Researchers capable of developing ambitious and innovative projects
There are no specific academic qualification requirements; evaluation focuses on research excellence and the quality of the researcher’s achievements.
Research Areas Covered
ERC Advanced Grants support research projects in all fields of research.
The programme follows a bottom-up approach, meaning there are no predetermined research priorities or restricted themes. Researchers can submit proposals based on their own scientific ideas and areas of expertise.
Research areas may include:
- Physical sciences and engineering
- Life sciences
- Social sciences and humanities
- Interdisciplinary research
Funding Benefits
ERC Advanced Grants provide substantial financial support for ambitious research programmes.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to €2.5 million for a period of five years
- Additional funding of up to €1 million for eligible costs such as:
- Starting costs for researchers moving from non-associated countries to Europe
- Major equipment purchases
- Access to large research facilities
- Significant experimental and fieldwork costs
For certain researchers relocating from non-associated third countries, additional funding may reach up to €2 million.
ERC funding can cover up to:
- 100% of eligible direct research costs
- An additional 25% contribution toward indirect costs
Eligibility Requirements
ERC Advanced Grant applicants must:
- Be established researchers with a strong research record
- Demonstrate significant scientific achievements
- Be able to lead an ambitious research project independently
The Principal Investigator must submit the application through a host institution.
Host Institution Requirements
Research must be carried out at a public or private research organisation located in:
- An EU Member State, or
- An associated country
The host institution must provide suitable conditions for the Principal Investigator to independently manage the research project and funding.
Applicants do not need to already be employed by the host institution when submitting their proposal, but an agreement and commitment are required if the project is selected.
Research Team Opportunities
ERC grants support projects led by individual researchers who can recruit research team members of any nationality.
Team members may also be located outside Europe, allowing international collaboration on research projects.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in response to an official ERC Call for Proposals.
Applicants must submit:
- Administrative forms
- Research proposal
- Required supporting documents
Completed applications must be submitted before the official deadline.
ERC Advanced Grant 2026 Timeline
The ERC Advanced Grant 2026 call details include:
- Call: ERC-2026-ADG
- Publication date: 28 May 2026
- Application deadline: 27 August 2026
Evaluation Process
ERC proposals are assessed by international peer reviewers.
The main evaluation criterion is:
Scientific excellence
Reviewers evaluate both:
- The proposed research project
- The Principal Investigator’s achievements and capability
Why Apply for an ERC Advanced Grant?
The ERC Advanced Grant offers researchers the opportunity to:
- Lead internationally recognised research projects
- Build independent research teams
- Access significant long-term funding
- Develop breakthrough scientific ideas
- Strengthen global research collaborations
For established researchers seeking to push the boundaries of knowledge, the ERC Advanced Grant represents one of Europe’s most prestigious research funding opportunities.
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