The European Research Council (ERC), the EU's flagship funding body for frontier research, is launching a groundbreaking new initiative: the ERC Plus Grants. This scheme aims to empower outstanding researchers to tackle major scientific challenges and translate their discoveries into real-world applications. With applications set to open in spring 2026, the ERC Plus Grants represent a significant evolution in European research funding, offering unprecedented flexibility and resources for transformative projects.

Building on the success of existing ERC programs like Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, Synergy, and Proof of Concept grants, the ERC Plus initiative addresses the growing need to bridge the gap between groundbreaking basic science and practical impact. As Europe strives to maintain its competitive edge in global innovation, this new funding avenue promises to accelerate the commercialization and societal application of cutting-edge discoveries.

Understanding the ERC Plus Grants: Objectives and Scope

The ERC Plus Grants are designed for principal investigators (PIs) with bold, visionary ideas that push the boundaries of current knowledge. Unlike traditional ERC frontier grants, which focus primarily on basic research, ERC Plus emphasizes projects with potential for high-risk, high-gain outcomes that extend beyond conventional scopes. These grants support ambitious endeavors addressing major scientific challenges, from climate solutions to medical breakthroughs.

Key objectives include fostering transformative research, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, and facilitating knowledge transfer to industry and society. Researchers can propose projects spanning multiple fields, leveraging the ERC's bottom-up philosophy—no predetermined priorities means ideas are evaluated purely on excellence.

• Target major scientific challenges with innovative solutions
• Promote high-risk, high-reward research
• Enable translation from lab discoveries to practical applications

This approach aligns with Europe's broader innovation agenda under Horizon Europe, positioning the ERC as a catalyst for economic growth and societal progress.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Open to researchers of any nationality and career stage, ERC Plus Grants prioritize PIs with an outstanding track record of scientific achievement. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a history of pioneering work at the forefront of their field.

The host institution must be located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, providing the necessary infrastructure. No prior ERC grant is required, making it accessible to rising stars and established leaders alike.

Teams can be assembled post-grant, allowing flexibility in building interdisciplinary expertise. For those exploring research jobs in Europe, securing an ERC Plus could be a career-defining opportunity.

Funding Details: Budget and Duration

Each ERC Plus Grant offers up to €7 million as a lump sum, covering a project duration of 4 to 7 years. This substantial funding—no predefined cost categories—allows PIs maximum freedom in resource allocation, from personnel to equipment and outreach.

The 2026 call boasts a dedicated budget, enabling dozens of projects to launch simultaneously. This scale underscores the ERC's commitment to mega-ambitious science, far surpassing standard grants like the €1.5-2.5M Starting or Advanced awards.

Compared to Proof of Concept grants (€150,000 for feasibility), ERC Plus supports full-scale implementation, ideal for scaling discoveries toward commercialization.

Application Timeline for Spring 2026 Call

The inaugural ERC Plus call is tentatively set to open at the end of June 2026, with a deadline in early September 2026. Preparation should begin now, as the two-step evaluation process demands rigorous proposals.

1. Step 1: Reviewed by Advanced Grant panels for scientific excellence.
2. Step 2: Interdisciplinary panels assess vision, methodology, and resources, including interviews.

Results expected by mid-2027, with projects starting soon after. Check the official ERC Plus page for updates.

Photo by Invest Europe on Unsplash

Bridging Research and Practice: Inspiration from Proof of Concept Grants

ERC Plus builds on the Proof of Concept (PoC) scheme, which has funded over 300 projects in 2025 alone (€45M total). PoC grants validate ERC discoveries' feasibility for real-world use.

Recent examples:

• War Damage Assessment: Developing a global model for evaluating conflict destruction, starting with Ukraine data, adaptable worldwide for humanitarian aid.
• Heart Repair: Using fly regeneration insights for human cardiac therapies post-injury, promising battlefield and clinical applications.

These stories illustrate ERC Plus's potential: turning abstract science into tangible solutions. For more on PoC successes, see the ERC PoC examples.

Case Studies: ERC's Track Record in Commercialization

ERC-funded research has spawned numerous startups and patents. A 2025 survey shows 44% of ERC patents commercialized, with higher citation rates than peers.

Highlights:

• Max Planck Society: 17 Starting Grants in 2025, fueling biotech spin-offs.
• ETH Zurich: 24% success rate in Consolidator Grants, leading to medtech innovations.
• Overall: ERC grantees generate breakthroughs in AI, quantum, and biomed, with € billions in economic impact.

Universities hosting most ERC projects—like Cambridge, Oxford, Heidelberg—benefit from talent attraction and industry partnerships. Explore Europe university jobs boosted by such funding.

Evaluation Process: What Sets ERC Plus Apart

The rigorous two-step process mirrors ERC standards: excellence (50%), high-gain potential (30%), PI track record (20%). A 'Statement of Vision' is key, outlining transformative ambition.

Interdisciplinary Step 2 panels ensure bold ideas thrive. Success rates ~10-12%, as seen in 2025 Starting Grants (4,807 apps, 12% funded).

Experts note: Competition fierce, but lump-sum flexibility rewards creativity. ERC President Maria Leptin emphasizes: "For visionary researchers with ideas beyond current scopes."

Impacts on European Higher Education and Research Ecosystem

ERC Plus will supercharge universities, drawing top talent and fostering higher ed jobs. Top hosts gain prestige, infrastructure upgrades, and spin-out ecosystems.

Stats: Germany, UK, France lead 2025 awards; women ~42% grantees. Broader effects: Enhanced EU innovation, reduced brain drain, stronger industry links.

Stakeholders praise: "A boon for translating research to practice," per Science|Business analysis.

Challenges and Preparation Tips for Applicants

Challenges: Ultra-competitive; requires proven boldness. Tips:

• Craft compelling vision statement.
• Build diverse teams early.
• Leverage NCPs for feedback.
• Highlight translation potential with milestones.

Attend ERC webinars; review Q&As. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Future Outlook: ERC Plus in Europe's Innovation Landscape

With €210M for 2026 call, ERC Plus heralds a new era. Expect synergies with EIC for scale-ups, boosting Europe's deep-tech leadership.

Researchers eyeing professor jobs or postdocs should monitor. As Europe faces global challenges, ERC Plus equips science to deliver solutions.

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