Introduction
The European Research Council (ERC) is a leading European funding body that supports investigator-driven frontier research across all fields. The ERC Consolidator Grant is part of the Horizon Europe programme and is designed to support researchers who are consolidating their own independent research team or programme.

General Description
The ERC Consolidator Grant 2026 targets researchers with 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD, who have demonstrated potential for research independence and excellence. The grant supports ambitious and ground-breaking research projects that can significantly advance the frontiers of knowledge.

The scheme is open to all scientific disciplines, including life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities. Projects should be hosted by a legal entity located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

The grant provides substantial funding for up to 5 years, allowing researchers to establish or strengthen their research teams and pursue high-risk/high-gain research. The ERC encourages proposals that cross disciplinary boundaries and pioneer new areas of investigation.

Objectives

• To support excellent researchers in consolidating their research independence.
• To fund frontier research that has the potential to produce major scientific breakthroughs.
• To strengthen the European research landscape by supporting the next generation of research leaders.

Requirements

• Applicants must have 7-12 years of experience since completion of their PhD (extensions may apply for certain circumstances such as parental leave or clinical training).
• Applicants must demonstrate scientific excellence and the potential to lead an independent research team.
• The host institution must be located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• There are no restrictions on nationality of the applicant.
• The proposal must be submitted by a single Principal Investigator in conjunction with a host institution.
• The project must be conducted in a public or private research organisation (university, research centre, etc.).

If the call text does not specify additional eligibility criteria, applicants should refer to the ERC Work Programme 2026 and the Information for Applicants for full details.

In case of interest, please click on "m'interessa" and we will contact you.