ERC
ERC Starting Grant 2027
Deadline 14 October 2026 (ERC-2027-StG), confirmed on the ERC call page. Call opens 22 July 2026. Two-stage evaluation: Step 1 results ~Apr 2027, Step 2 ~Aug 2027.
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The ERC Starting Grant funds researchers up to 10 years post-PhD to build independent research groups anywhere in Europe, with up to €1.5 million over five years (plus up to €1 million additional for start-up and equipment costs). The call is open to any field of research and any nationality, provided the host institution is in an EU member state or associated country. ERC runs this programme annually, making it one of Europe's most competitive flagship schemes for early-career researchers establishing autonomy.
Details
| Funder | ERC |
| Budget | Up to €1.5M (+ €1M additional for start-up/equipment) |
| Deadline | 14 October 2026 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | LOI not required → Full proposal → Panel interview (Step 2) |
| TRL | 1-2 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | July 2027 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers up to 10 years past their PhD (from immediately after your defence)
- •Any nationality, hosted at an institution in an EU member state or associated country
- •All fields of research eligible, from life sciences to social sciences to engineering
- •Early-stage researchers ready to lead a small independent team
- •Strong publication and impact record relative to career stage
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 15 October 2026
- •Two-stage evaluation: Step 1 (written proposal review) results ~April 2027; Step 2 (panel interview) results ~August 2027
- •Five-year project duration following grant start
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Demonstrate independence from your PhD and postdoctoral supervisor: panels explicitly screen for researchers striking out on their own research direction, not continuing the prior group's agenda.
- ✓The Step 2 interview is decisive, reviewers assess your vision, leadership, and ability to manage a small team; practice defending feasibility and risk mitigation to non-specialists.
- ✓Include the start-up and equipment budget as a separate section in your proposal; ERC allows up to €1 million on top of the €1.5 million base for early-stage team building and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ERC Starting Grant pay?
Up to €1.5 million over five years, plus up to €1 million additional for start-up costs and equipment.
Who is eligible for the ERC Starting Grant?
Researchers up to 10 years past their PhD, any nationality, hosted at an institution in an EU member state or associated country.
When is the ERC Starting Grant 2027 deadline?
The expected deadline is 15 October 2026, with Step 1 results in April 2027 and Step 2 (interview) results in August 2027.
Can I apply to the ERC Starting Grant if I'm not in Europe?
You must be hosted at an institution in an EU member state or associated country, but your nationality is unrestricted.
Related on Grantsby
- ERC writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
- ERC Starting Grant, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- ERC Starting Grant past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
- How to Write an ERC Starting Grant Proposal
Part B1 framing, CV narrative, interview preparation: what actually moves the needle with an ERC panel.
- Choosing the Right ERC Panel for Your Proposal
Panel scope overlap, primary vs secondary panel strategy, and when your "obvious" panel is the wrong choice.
- How to Write an ERC Consolidator Grant Proposal
The consolidation step, proving independence, and the Brussels interview that decides it.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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