What’s new in the ERC programme?

By Ksenia Bagrintseva, Senior Grant Writer & ERC Expert - GO

The European Research Council (ERC) has introduced several important changes that will affect researchers planning to apply for future ERC calls.

One of the most significant developments is the extension of the eligibility windows for the Starting Grant (StG) and Consolidator Grant (CoG) schemes.

• From the 2027 Work Programme, researchers will be eligible to apply for a Starting Grant at any time within 10 years of successfully defending their PhD (instead of the current 2–7 years), while the eligibility window for Consolidator Grants will expand to 5–15 years after the PhD (instead of 7–12 years).

These changes are intended to better reflect the diversity of today's research careers and provide greater flexibility for applicants. 

Another major novelty is the introduction of the ERC Plus Grant, a new funding scheme designed to support exceptional researchers with ambitious, transformative research ideas.

• ERC Plus Grants will provide up to €7 million for projects lasting 4 to 7 years, offering an exciting new opportunity for researchers aiming to tackle major scientific challenges. The first call is already open with the deadline 2 September 2026. 

Finally, applicants should note an important change to the ERC Synergy Grant timetable. The call deadline will move from its traditional November deadline to May. 

If you are considering applying for an ERC grant, now is an excellent time to familiarise yourself with these changes and start planning your proposal.  

Didn’t get a chance to join our recent ERC Roundtable live? You can watch or rewatch the presentations and replay of the session HERE 

For more information about our ERC support services, please contact goeurope[@]pasteur.fr or reach out to our scientific writing experts gograntwriting[@]pasteur.fr