Funding & creative support3 open opportunities listed
About the foundation
The European Research Council (ERC), established in 2007, is a flagship initiative of the European Union designed to support investigator-driven frontier research across all disciplines. Its founding ethos is rooted in scientific excellence, autonomy, and the belief that groundbreaking discoveries arise from the curiosity and vision of individual researchers. By funding projects solely on the basis of scientific merit, the ERC aims to strengthen Europe's position as a global leader in research and innovation. The ERC Starting Grant specifically targets early-career researchers who are transitioning to independence, typically 2-7 years after completing their PhD. It provides substantial funding over five years to enable these researchers to build their own teams and pursue ambitious, high-risk/high-gain projects. The grant is highly competitive, with success rates often below 15%, reflecting its prestige and the rigorous peer-review process that underpins its selection.
Funding opportunities
3 listed
Application guidance
Applicants should focus on presenting a clear, ambitious, and feasible research vision that demonstrates originality and potential for breakthrough. The proposal must convincingly argue why the project is groundbreaking and why the applicant is the right person to lead it. It is crucial to articulate a coherent methodology and a realistic work plan, while also highlighting the applicant's independence and leadership potential. Given the high level of competition, seeking feedback from previous grantees and institutional grant offices is strongly advised. The evaluation emphasizes the scientific excellence of both the project and the researcher, so avoid overloading with administrative details and instead prioritize the intellectual core.