ERC
ERC Plus Grants 2026
Call opens June 2, 2026
Last verified:
The ERC Plus Grant 2026 offers up to €7 million over 4-7 years for frontier research led by a single principal investigator, with no consortium requirement. The call is open to researchers at any career stage and any nationality, hosted in EU member states or associated countries. Two-stage evaluation (outline followed by full proposal) with an annual schedule ensures a structured, competitive assessment process.
Details
| Funder | ERC |
| Budget | €7,000,000 (lump sum) |
| Deadline | 2 September 2026 |
| Duration | 4-7 years |
| Consortium | No — single PI |
| Application | 2-stage: outline → full proposal |
| TRL | Frontier research |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-06 |
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at any career stage with a strong track record in frontier science
- •Single principal investigators (no consortium co-leads)
- •Hosted at institutions in EU member states or ERC-associated countries
- •Projects at the boundaries of existing knowledge with high innovation potential
Key Dates
- •Call opens 2 June 2026; deadline 2 September 2026
- •Two-stage evaluation: outline proposal then full proposal for invited applicants
- •Project duration 4-7 years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The outline stage is selective; clarity and novelty matter more than detail, focus on the bold question and why you are the right person to answer it.
- ✓The €7M budget is a lump sum; justify the total workplan including personnel costs, equipment, and contingency in your full proposal.
- ✓Frontier research criteria are strict, avoid incremental extensions of existing work; panels reward genuinely exploratory science with managed risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I request in an ERC Plus Grant?
Up to €7 million as a lump sum over the project duration.
Who can apply for the ERC Plus Grant?
Researchers at any career stage, any nationality, hosted at an eligible institution in an EU member state or ERC-associated country, leading a single-PI project.
What is the deadline for ERC Plus Grant 2026?
The outline proposal deadline is 2 September 2026; the call opens 2 June 2026.
Is a consortium required for the ERC Plus Grant?
No, ERC Plus is for single-PI-led projects; consortium partners are not part of the core funding model.
How long can an ERC Plus project run?
Project duration ranges from 4 to 7 years, set by the applicant according to the research plan.
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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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