The ERC Starting Grant supports early-career researchers (Principal Investigators) who are starting or have recently started their independent research team or programme.

Objectives

• Fund outstanding researchers with high potential for research independence.

• Applicants should show early achievements, such as at least one major publication as lead author (without PhD supervisor).

Funding

• Up to €1.5 million for up to 5 years.

• Up to €1 million in additional funding may be requested for:

  • Start-up costs

  • Major equipment

  • Access to large facilities

  • Experimental/field work

• For researchers relocating to the EU or an Associated Country, the additional funding cap is €2 million.

• Grant size is adjusted pro rata for shorter projects (except for the additional funding).

Eligibility (PI profile)

• Must have defended their first PhD between 1 Jan 2019 and 31 Dec 2023 (i.e. 2 to 7 years before 1 Jan 2026).

• Extensions are possible in specific cases (e.g. maternity, military service, long-term illness) as detailed in the ERC Work Programme 2026.