The ERC Plus Grant is a new European Research Council funding scheme designed to support exceptionally ambitious and transformative research projects that go beyond the scope of standard ERC grants. It targets outstanding researchers at all career stages who have demonstrated scientific leadership and wish to tackle major scientific challenges with bold, high-impact ideas.

The programme is open to applicants of any nationality and in any field of research, provided the project is hosted by an institution in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe-associated country. Researchers may apply only once in their lifetime, and only around 30 grants are expected to be awarded annually, making the scheme extremely competitive.

ERC Plus Grants provide up to €7 million in funding for projects lasting 4 to 7 years. Funding is awarded as a single lump-sum contribution covering the full project budget, with no possibility of requesting additional funding.

Proposals are evaluated solely on the basis of excellence, with particular emphasis on the applicant’s scientific achievements, intellectual leadership, and the transformative potential of the proposed research. The evaluation process consists of two stages, with shortlisted applicants invited to present their project in an interview before the final funding decision.