European Research Council
ERC Consolidator Grant
Up to €2M for mid-career researchers 7–12 years post-PhD consolidating their independent research team.
About the ERC Consolidator Grant
The ERC Consolidator Grant supports excellent mid-career researchers who are at the stage of consolidating their own independent research team. Funding goes up to €2 million over 5 years, with an additional €1M possible for start-up costs, major equipment, or access to large facilities. Eligibility requires 7 to 12 years of research experience post-PhD at the call deadline (extensions possible for career breaks). The evaluation follows the same two-stage process as the Starting Grant. Consolidator applicants are typically expected to have a strong publication record as an independent researcher, demonstrated capacity to attract and train junior scientists, and a research vision that is ambitious yet feasible within the 5-year window.
Key facts
- Career stage
- 7–12 years post-PhD
- Maximum budget
- €2M (+€1M additional)
- Project duration
- 5 years
- Evaluation
- Two-stage panel + interview
- Success rate
- 12–14% across all panels
Who is eligible?
- •7 to 12 years post-PhD at the call deadline (extensions possible for career interruptions)
- •Hosted at an institution in an EU Member State or associated country
- •Demonstrated independence as a principal investigator
- •50% minimum time commitment to the ERC project
Frequently asked questions
+When is the ERC Consolidator Grant deadline?
The ERC Consolidator Grant typically has one call per year with a deadline in January or February. See the ERC Work Programme on the funder's official website for the exact deadline of the current call.
+Can I move from Starting Grant to Consolidator Grant?
Yes. Many Consolidator Grant holders previously won a Starting Grant. Holding a Starting Grant does not disqualify you from applying for a Consolidator when you enter the 7–12 year window post-PhD.
+What is the difference between Consolidator and Advanced Grants?
Consolidator targets researchers 7–12 years post-PhD who are consolidating their independence. Advanced Grants target established research leaders with a 10-year track record of significant achievements — there is no upper career-stage limit.
+How does the interview work?
Shortlisted Stage 1 applicants present their proposal to a panel of international experts in a 20–30 minute interview in Brussels. The interview heavily influences the final decision — thorough preparation is essential.
Looking for proposal-writing advice?
Read the European Research Council writing guide →Related programmes
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