ERC Starting Grant 2027: A Complete Guide to Europe’s Prestigious Research Grant for Early-Career Scientists

Overview

The European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant 2027 (ERC-2027-STG) is a prestigious funding scheme designed to empower talented early-career researchers who are ready to establish themselves as independent research leaders. Funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme, the grant offers a bottom-up approach allowing investigators to propose frontier research across any scientific discipline without predetermined thematic priorities.

Eligibility

Researchers from any nationality may apply provided they meet the following criteria:

Have between 0 and 10 years of experience since successfully completing their PhD.
Demonstrate a significant scientific track record and evidence of producing excellent supervised research.
Possess the ability to conduct independent research and strong potential to become future research leaders.
Submit an outstanding and scientifically excellent research proposal.

The funded research must be carried out within an eligible host institution located in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

Up to €1.5 million for a project lasting up to five years.
Up to €1 million in additional funding to cover eligible research costs when properly justified.
Up to €2 million in additional funding for Principal Investigators relocating from non-associated third countries to an EU Member State or Associated Country.
Up to 100% of eligible direct research costs plus an additional 25% contribution toward indirect costs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package through official ERC calls for proposals. A complete application includes:

Administrative forms.
The full scientific research proposal.
Required supplementary documentation, including ethics self-assessment materials.

Proposals must be submitted through the official submission system before the closing date.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted before the official deadline on 14 October 2026, following the call opening on 22 July 2026.

Overview

Eligibility

Researchers from any nationality may apply provided they meet the following criteria:

Have between 0 and 10 years of experience since successfully completing their PhD.

Demonstrate a significant scientific track record and evidence of producing excellent supervised research.

Possess the ability to conduct independent research and strong potential to become future research leaders.

Submit an outstanding and scientifically excellent research proposal.

The funded research must be carried out within an eligible host institution located in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

Up to €1.5 million for a project lasting up to five years.

Up to €1 million in additional funding to cover eligible research costs when properly justified.

Up to €2 million in additional funding for Principal Investigators relocating from non-associated third countries to an EU Member State or Associated Country.

Up to 100% of eligible direct research costs plus an additional 25% contribution toward indirect costs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package through official ERC calls for proposals. A complete application includes:

Administrative forms.

The full scientific research proposal.

Required supplementary documentation, including ethics self-assessment materials.

Proposals must be submitted through the official submission system before the closing date.