May, 2025
May 2025
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ERC Starting Grant
May 17, 2025, 23:53

ERC Starting Grant

The ERC Starting Grant supports early-career researchers with 2–7 years post-PhD experience who show potential for scientific leadership and aim to establish their own research team and program. Open to applicants from all disciplines and nationalities, the grant funds groundbreaking research at host institutions in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • 2–7 years since successful PhD defence (not the award date)

  • Open to researchers of any nationality

  • Must present an excellent research proposal and track record

  • Research conducted at a public or private research organization in an EU or associated country

  • Extensions to the eligibility window allowed for maternity/paternity, illness, national service, or other exceptional circumstances

  • Host institution agreement required (can be pre-existing or new)

  • Team members may be from any country; non-European collaborators permitted

Funding Details:

  • Up to €1.5 million over 5 years

  • Additional €1 million available for:

    • Researchers relocating from third countries

    • Major equipment and experimental/fieldwork costs

  • Covers 100% of direct costs and 25% overhead contribution

  • Evaluated on scientific excellence alone (project and PI)

Deadline:

The call for ERC Starting Grant 2025 is published annually.

  • Opening: Expected in Q2 2025

  • Deadline: Typically ~3 months post-launch (TBC in Work Programme 2025)

  • Submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Where to Apply / Learn More: