# ERC Advanced Grant (AdG) 2026

**Funder:** ERC
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: Step 1 (Part I only) → Step 2 (full proposal + interview)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/events/erc-grants-what-expect-2026-calls
**Last verified:** 4 July 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: duplicate row (canonical sibling kept)

## Eligibility & scope

For established research leaders with no PhD-based eligibility window. Host institution must be in an EU Member State or Associated Country. PI must dedicate ≥30% working time to project, with ≥50% of total working time in EU/Associated Country. Excellence is the sole evaluation criterion.

## Summary

The ERC Advanced Grant funds established research leaders to pursue ambitious, long-term projects at any host institution in an EU Member State or Associated Country. There is no upper career-stage limit, the grant targets senior researchers with a sustained track record of excellence. The call is annual, single-PI, and judged solely on scientific excellence.

## Who should apply

- Established research leaders with a strong, sustained publication and funding track record
- Researchers hosted at institutions in EU Member States or Associated Countries
- Applicants able to commit ≥30% working time to the project and ≥50% of total time in the EU or Associated Country
- Single investigators, no consortium co-investigators allowed
- Researchers in all scientific fields

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (2026 call deadline not specified; consult the ERC portal)
- Two-stage evaluation: Part I panel review of generalists (Step 1) → shortlist to full proposal and interview (Step 2)
- Project duration typically 5 years

## Tips for applicants

- Step 1 is a brief, generalist-reviewed submission; clarity and impact matter more than technical depth, structure for a non-specialist reader.
- The interview panel will probe feasibility and risk mitigation; prepare concrete answers on resource needs and potential obstacles.
- ERC AdG reviewers value long-term vision coupled with pragmatic staging; avoid over-ambition without a credible roadmap.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for an ERC Advanced Grant?

Established research leaders with a strong publication and funding record, hosted at institutions in EU Member States or Associated Countries. There is no PhD-based career-stage limit; excellence is the sole criterion.

### Can I apply to an ERC Advanced Grant as a team?

No, ERC Advanced Grants are single-PI only; no consortium members or co-investigators are allowed.

### How much time must I dedicate to an ERC Advanced Grant project?

You must commit at least 30% of your working time to the project and spend at least 50% of your total time in the EU or an Associated Country.

### What is the evaluation process for ERC Advanced Grants?

Two-stage: Step 1 involves a brief Part I proposal reviewed by generalist panels; shortlisted applicants advance to Step 2 with a full proposal and interview.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/erc-advanced-grant-adg-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).