# Access ERC Starting Grants **Funder:** ANR **Duration:** 24 months **Consortium:** No **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** FR **Official call:** https://anr.fr/fr/detail/call/appel-a-projets-access-erc-starting-grants-2026/ **Last verified:** 19 July 2026 ## Eligibility & scope 2026 call restricted to humanities and social sciences (SHS) disciplines only. ANR funds a 2-year postdoctoral contract (July 2026–August 2028) to prepare a competitive ERC Starting Grant 2028 application (October 2027). Host institution must be in France. Proposals submitted in French. ## Summary The ANR Access ERC Starting Grants programme funds 24-month postdoctoral contracts in France to prepare early-career researchers for a competitive ERC Starting Grant 2028 application in October 2027. The 2026 call is restricted to humanities and social sciences disciplines. Researchers host at a French institution and submit proposals in French. ## Who should apply - Early-career researchers preparing a competitive ERC Starting Grant application - Researchers in humanities and social sciences (SHS disciplines) - Applicants hosting at a French academic or research institution - Researchers able to submit proposals in French ## Key dates - 2026 application deadline (verify exact date on ANR website) - 24-month contract from July 2026 to August 2028 - Target ERC Starting Grant application: October 2027 ## Tips for applicants - This is a preparation grant, not the ERC itself, frame your proposal around strengthening the case for a 2028 ERC Starting Grant submission. - ANR expects a clear capacity-building plan: identify which ERC criteria (research proposal quality, track record, host institution) you will strengthen during the 24 months. - Use the contract period to build preliminary data, publications, and networks that will shore up an ERC Starting Grant; reviewers evaluate both the immediate research and the long-term ERC trajectory. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the ANR Access ERC Starting Grants programme? It funds 24-month postdoctoral contracts in France to help early-career researchers prepare and strengthen applications for the ERC Starting Grant 2028 call in October 2027. ### Who is eligible for ANR Access ERC Starting Grants? Early-career researchers in humanities and social sciences (SHS) hosting at a French institution and able to submit proposals in French. ### How long is the ANR Access ERC Starting Grants contract? 24 months, from July 2026 to August 2028, aligning with the October 2027 ERC Starting Grant deadline. ### Is this the same as the ERC Starting Grant? No; ANR Access ERC provides funding to prepare for an ERC Starting Grant application, not the ERC itself. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/anr-access-erc-starting-grants-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).