The European Research Council (ERC) grants encourages groundbreaking scientific research carried out by scientific researchers. The ERC programme contains five different funding instruments, for both young and experienced researchers. Throughout the year, there are various deadlines for all different ERC schemes.
Various ERC grants
The ERC programme has a total of five different funding schemes. Each scheme focuses on a specific target group of researchers:
- ERC Starting Grant
- ERC Consolidator Grant
- ERC Advanced Grant
- ERC Proof of Concept Grant
- ERC Synergy Grant
ERC Starting Grant
ERC Starting Grant focuses on researchers with two to seven years of research experience, after completing their PhD. The grant can help researchers establish their own line of research. Each individual researcher can receive up to € 1.5 million in funding for a total period of five years. Please note that only researchers who have both an excellent CV and a ground-breaking research proposal can be eligible for grants.
ERC Consolidator Grant
ERC Consolidator Grant is especially for researchers with 7 to 12 years of research experience, after obtaining their PhD. ERC Consolidator Grant allows researchers to further expand their own research line and team. Here, researchers can receive up to € 2 million in funding for a period of five years. Again, only researchers with an excellent scientific track record and an excellent research proposal stand a chance of being awarded.
ERC Advanced Grant
ERC Advanced Grant is aimed at researchers who have achieved significant research results within science over the past 10 years. This grant can reach up to € 2.5 million for a period of five years. Applicants awarded ERC Advanced Grant are potential Nobel Prize winners. Therefore, only established and excellent scientists who need grant for pioneering and high-risk research are supported.
ERC Proof of Concept Grant
ERC Proof of Concept Grant is available to researchers who have previously received ERC Grant. With this follow-up grant, these researchers will have the opportunity to further investigate other aspects such as commercial and social points of the research. The maximum grant of ERC Proof of Concept Grant is € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.
ERC Synergy Grant
ERC Synergy Grant focuses on groups of two to four principal investigators. These are collaborations that combine various skills and resources to tackle ambitious research problems. The maximum grant amount per collaboration is € 10 million for a period of six years. A strong track record is required to be awarded ERC Synergy Grant. For example, researchers must have at least 10 years of experience and have achieved pioneering scientific results.
Schedule a meeting with an ERC specialist
Various grant opportunities are available from the ERC programme. This gives every scientist the opportunity to apply for grants to set up and conduct scientific research. Are you curious which grant opportunities you are eligible for? Our specialists will be happy to discuss your grant opportunities!
