The ERC Advanced Grant 2026 is a highly competitive funding programme of the European Research Council (ERC) that supports internationally recognized, established researchers with an outstanding track record of scientific achievements. The scheme funds ambitious, investigator-driven frontier research projects in any field, with a strong emphasis on groundbreaking ideas and high-risk/high-gain approaches.

Successful applicants can receive up to €2.5 million for a period of up to five years, with additional funding available under specific circumstances (e.g. major equipment needs or relocation to Europe). Proposals are evaluated exclusively on the basis of scientific excellence, considering both the quality and transformative potential of the research project and the achievements of the Principal Investigator.

The programme is open to researchers of any nationality, provided that the project is carried out at a host institution located in an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe.