ERC Introduces Pioneering Plus Grants for Visionary Research
The European Research Council has opened its inaugural call for ERC Plus Grants, a new funding instrument offering up to €7 million over seven years to support exceptionally ambitious projects. Launched on 2 June 2026, this pilot scheme targets transformative research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge in any scientific field. With approximately 30 grants anticipated in the first round, the initiative arrives amid intense interest from researchers seeking sustained, long-term support beyond standard ERC awards.
Researchers at all career stages are eligible, from early-career scientists to established leaders, provided their work is hosted at an institution in an EU member state or associated country. The bottom-up approach means no predefined topics, allowing proposals in life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities. This flexibility distinguishes the scheme from more targeted national or EU programmes.
Key Features of the €7 Million Funding Opportunity
Each ERC Plus Grant provides a maximum of €7 million with no additional top-up funding available. Projects can run for up to seven years, enabling deep exploration of complex questions that require extended timelines. The funding covers personnel, equipment, travel, and other eligible costs necessary for groundbreaking work.
Applications opened on 2 June 2026 and close on 2 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Evaluation will follow the ERC's established two-step process, beginning with a remote assessment of extended synopses followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. Panels will assess excellence, ambition, and feasibility, with emphasis on the potential for field-changing impact.
Official details appear on the ERC website, which outlines eligibility, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements through the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Background and Rationale Behind the New Scheme
The European Research Council, established in 2007, has long supported frontier research through Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, and Synergy Grants. The Plus Grants scheme responds to feedback from the research community about the need for larger, longer-term awards to tackle particularly ambitious questions. Previous ERC grants typically range from €1.5 million to €2.5 million over five years, with occasional supplements.
Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva highlighted the scheme's role in attracting and retaining top talent in Europe during the launch announcement. The pilot builds on the ERC's reputation for excellence while addressing gaps in support for projects that exceed conventional scales.
Eligibility and Application Process Explained
Any researcher, regardless of nationality or career stage, may apply if the host institution is located in an EU member state or associated country. Proposals must demonstrate scientific excellence, originality, and the capacity to deliver transformative outcomes. There are no age or experience restrictions, broadening access compared to career-stage-specific calls.
The submission process involves a single-stage application with an extended synopsis. Successful applicants proceed to full proposal development and interview stages. Host institutions provide support letters and commit to hosting the project for its full duration.
Step-by-step guidance is available via the ERC's dedicated portal pages, including templates and frequently asked questions for first-time applicants.
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Anticipated Competition and Success Rates
Observers expect fierce competition given the substantial award size and open eligibility. With around 30 grants planned, success rates may mirror or fall below those of other ERC schemes, which often see thousands of applications for hundreds of awards. The emphasis on truly exceptional, high-risk ideas will further intensify selection.
Previous ERC calls have attracted record numbers of proposals, reflecting strong demand for frontier funding. Institutions across Europe are already preparing internal support mechanisms, including workshops and mentoring programmes, to strengthen applications.
Impact on European Research Landscape
The €7 million grants promise to accelerate discoveries in areas such as climate solutions, health innovations, and fundamental physics. By providing extended funding, the scheme enables teams to build infrastructure, train researchers, and pursue iterative experiments that shorter grants cannot accommodate.
European universities and research organisations stand to benefit through enhanced international collaboration and talent attraction. The scheme aligns with broader EU goals of strengthening research and innovation capacity under Horizon Europe.
Early reactions from the scientific community underscore the opportunity for projects previously considered too ambitious for existing instruments.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Expert Views
ERC President Maria Leptin has emphasised the scheme's focus on visionary ideas during webinars. National research agencies and university associations have welcomed the addition as a complement to existing funding streams.
Researchers note that the seven-year horizon allows for genuine risk-taking and long-term vision, while the open eligibility encourages cross-generational teams. Concerns centre on the competitive pressure and the need for robust institutional support during application and implementation.
Practical Steps for Prospective Applicants
Interested researchers should begin by reviewing the official call documents on the Funding and Tenders Portal. Key actions include identifying a suitable host institution, drafting a compelling synopsis that highlights transformative potential, and securing letters of support.
Many universities are organising information sessions and peer-review workshops in the coming weeks. Applicants are advised to align proposals with institutional strategic priorities while maintaining scientific independence.
Deadlines are strict, and early preparation is essential given the expected volume of submissions.
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Future Outlook for ERC Funding
If successful, the pilot may expand in subsequent years, potentially increasing the number of awards or refining evaluation criteria based on outcomes. The scheme positions Europe competitively in the global research funding landscape, where large-scale, long-term support is increasingly valued.
Continued monitoring through ERC reports and independent evaluations will inform adjustments. Broader integration with other EU instruments could further amplify impact on scientific breakthroughs.
Resources for Further Information
Comprehensive guidance appears on the ERC Plus Grant page. The Funding and Tenders Portal hosts the full call text and submission system. Webinars scheduled for early June provide additional insights from ERC leadership.
National contact points in member states and associated countries offer tailored advice for applicants. University research offices serve as primary points of contact for institutional coordination.