Starting Grants support talented early-career researchers who have already produced excellent supervised work, are ready to work independently and show potential to be research leaders.
Starting Grants support talented early-career researchers who have already produced excellent supervised work, are ready to work independently and show potential to be research leaders.
Who should apply
Active researchers who demonstrate potential for research independence and a promising track record of early achievements appropriate to their research field and career stage. Applicants should also be starting their independent research team or programme.
How it works
ERC grants support projects carried out by an individual researcher who can employ researchers of any nationality as team members. One or more team members can also be located in a non-European country.
What is funded
Research, in any field, conducted in a public or private research organisation in one of the EU Member States or Associated Countries. Starting Grants may be awarded up to €1.5 million for five years.
How we can support you
We are the UK National Contact Point for ERC. You can email us for free information and advice.
You can attend our regular free events about ERC calls. Every event is recorded so that you can catch up on past recordings, too.
Next steps
- To find out if you can apply, visit the ERC website to read about Starting Grants and what the funding covers.
- Read about the financial support available in the current Work Programme to see if this is right for you.
- Look at what the ERC has funded in the past and see if your project fits the scale and ambition of an ERC grant.
- Familiarise yourself with the panels to pick the right one for you. Note that all research areas are eligible.
- Speak to your host institution as early as possible.
- Apply on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
If you do not already have an account, you need to register on the portal
If your host institution needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC), register for one on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Last updated: 18 October 2024