The European Research Council ERC Advanced Grant 2026 supports outstanding researchers with up to €4.5 million to pursue ambitious, high-risk, high-gain research projects across any scientific discipline.
Overview
For established researchers with a proven record of groundbreaking discoveries, securing long-term funding can create opportunities to pursue bold ideas that have the potential to transform entire fields.
The European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant is one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive research funding schemes, supporting exceptional researchers who wish to lead ambitious projects at the frontiers of knowledge.
With funding of up to €2.5 million over five years—and the possibility of additional funding of up to €2 million for eligible applicants relocating to Europe—the programme provides substantial support for pioneering research across all scientific disciplines.
The ERC Advanced Grant is designed for researchers whose work demonstrates originality, leadership, and the potential to deliver major scientific breakthroughs.
About the ERC Advanced Grant
The ERC Advanced Grant is part of the European Research Council’s flagship funding programmes under Horizon Europe.
The scheme supports individual researchers pursuing high-risk, high-reward projects that could significantly advance knowledge and understanding within their fields.
Unlike many research funding programmes, ERC grants operate on a bottom-up basis. Applicants are free to propose projects in any area of research without predefined thematic priorities.
The programme places a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and supports researchers with the freedom to explore innovative ideas and unconventional approaches.
What Will Researchers Gain?
The ERC Advanced Grant provides substantial financial support and research independence.
Major Research Funding
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to €2.5 million in funding
- Funding period of up to 5 years
- Support for shorter projects on a pro-rata basis
Additional Funding Opportunities
Researchers may qualify for additional funding of:
- Up to €1 million for:
- Major equipment purchases
- Access to large research facilities
- Significant experimental or fieldwork costs
- Relocation from non-EU countries
Increased Relocation Support
To attract leading researchers from outside Europe, the ERC now offers:
- Up to €2 million in additional funding for eligible researchers relocating from non-associated third countries to the EU or associated countries
Full Project Cost Coverage
The grant can cover:
- Up to 100% of eligible direct research costs
- Additional 25% contribution toward indirect costs
Who Can Apply?
The ERC Advanced Grant targets established researchers with a strong record of scientific achievement.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be active researchers
- Demonstrate significant research accomplishments
- Show outstanding scientific leadership
- Have a strong track record of original and influential research
No Formal Academic Restrictions
The ERC does not impose specific academic eligibility criteria regarding:
- Academic age
- Years since PhD
- Specific qualifications
Instead, selection is based on demonstrated excellence and scientific achievement.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
The programme supports ambitious frontier research projects.
Research Areas
Applications are welcome from all disciplines, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
- Life Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Humanities
- Interdisciplinary Research
Research Approach
Projects should:
- Address important scientific questions
- Demonstrate originality
- Push the boundaries of current knowledge
- Show potential for significant impact
- Be ambitious and innovative
The ERC encourages proposals that involve high levels of scientific risk and potential reward.
Where Can the Research Be Conducted?
Projects must be hosted by a research institution located in:
- European Union Member States
- Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Eligible Host Institutions
Research may be conducted at:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Public research organizations
- Private research organizations
Applicants do not need to be employed by the host institution at the time of application, but a commitment between the researcher and host institution is required if funding is awarded.
Building Your Research Team
ERC grants are awarded to a single Principal Investigator who can assemble a research team.
Team members may:
- Be of any nationality
- Work in Europe
- Be based outside Europe
- Contribute specialized expertise to the project
This flexibility enables researchers to build the strongest possible international teams.
How Are Applications Evaluated?
The ERC uses a rigorous peer-review process.
Excellence Is the Only Criterion
Applications are assessed solely on scientific excellence.
Reviewers evaluate:
The Principal Investigator
- Scientific achievements
- Leadership record
- Research contributions
- International standing
The Research Project
- Originality
- Ambition
- Scientific quality
- Potential impact
- Feasibility
Applications are reviewed by international experts selected for their subject knowledge and experience.
Ethics Review Process
All funded proposals undergo an ethics review process to ensure compliance with:
- European Union regulations
- National laws
- International ethical standards
- Human rights principles
Applicants must complete:
- Ethics Issues Table (EIT)
- Ethics Self-Assessment (ESA)
A strong ethics section is an important part of a successful proposal.
How to Apply
Applications can only be submitted through official ERC Calls for Proposals.
Step 1
Identify the appropriate ERC Advanced Grant call.
Step 2
Prepare your research proposal.
Step 3
Secure support from an eligible host institution.
Step 4
Complete the administrative forms and supporting documents.
Step 5
Submit the application through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal before the call deadline.
Required Application Components
A complete application generally includes:
- Administrative forms
- Research proposal
- Scientific track record information
- Host institution commitment
- Ethics documentation
- Supporting materials requested by the ERC
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | ERC Advanced Grant |
| Funding Organization | European Research Council |
| Funding Amount | Up to €2.5 Million |
| Additional Funding | Up to €2 Million |
| Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Eligible Applicants | Leading Researchers |
| Research Areas | All Disciplines |
| Location | EU Member States and Associated Countries |
| Evaluation Criterion | Scientific Excellence Only |
| Team Members | Any Nationality |
Conclusion
The ERC Advanced Grant remains one of the most prestigious and generous research funding opportunities available globally.
By providing substantial long-term support, the programme enables exceptional researchers to pursue ambitious ideas that may transform scientific understanding and generate lasting impact across disciplines.
Researchers with a strong record of achievement and a compelling vision for frontier research should consider preparing competitive proposals for upcoming ERC Advanced Grant calls.
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