ERC

ERC Advanced Grant (AdG) 2026

2026 call; specific deadline not stated in this segment

Last verified: 4 July 2026

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This is the current call of the ERC Advanced Grant programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

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.

Details

Funder	ERC
Consortium	No
Application	2-stage: Step 1 (Part I only) → Step 2 (full proposal + interview)
Frequency	Annual

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.

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.

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