This call is aimed at highly talented early-stage researchers who have already carried out excellent supervised work, show strong potential for independent research, and demonstrate the ability to become future leaders in their field.

The ERC Starting Grant is open to researchers of any nationality with 2 to 7 years of experience since completing their PhD. Eligible candidates must have defended their thesis between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2023 (inclusive). Extensions to this timeframe may be granted in specific circumstances, such as maternity or paternity leave, parental leave, long-term illness, clinical training, disability, asylum seeker status, or being a victim of a major disaster or gender-based violence (see pages 18-19 of the ERC Work Programme 2026 for details).

Applicants are expected to present an outstanding scientific track record and submit a high-quality, innovative research proposal.

Key updates for this call:

• Funding:

  • Applicants can request up to €1.5 million for a 5-year project.

  • An additional €2 million (new in this call) is available to cover start-up costs for Principal Investigators relocating from a third country to the EU or an Associated Country.

  • A further €1 million can be requested to cover major equipment, access to large facilities, or fieldwork costs.

  • The previous separate sub-categories for extra budget have been merged into a single, flexible category, which now also allows personnel costs (new).

Changes to the proposal format:

• The structure has been simplified and page limits tightened to promote clarity and conciseness.

• Scientific Proposal - Part I (max. 5 pages):
  Focuses on the overall vision of the project, including the current state of the art, the main scientific question, project objectives, and research strategy. The goal is to convince the evaluation panel of the originality and relevance of the proposed idea.

• Scientific Proposal - Part II (max. 7 pages):
  Provides a detailed implementation plan, including methodology, work plan, risk management and mitigation strategies, budget justification, and any relevant background information not included in Part I.
  Note: the 7-page limit does not apply to the budget justification section.

PhD Experience Window

• Applicants must have defended their PhD between 01/01/2019 and 31/12/2023 (inclusive).

• This corresponds to 2-7 years of research experience after the completion of their PhD

Nationality

• The call is open to researchers of any nationality.

• However, the project must be carried out at a host institution located in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

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