The European Research Council (ERC) has published a new work programme for 2026, including the timetable for each call. At the same time, the ERC Starting Grants 2025 call was opened, which aims to support early-career researchers in carrying out independent research or setting up their own research team. Researchers must demonstrate the potential for independence in research, for example by publishing a major paper as lead author without the involvement of a supervisor.
The maximum amount of financial support is up to €1.5 million for a period of 5 years. The ERC grant covers up to 100 % of the total eligible direct research costs and 25 % of the total eligible indirect costs.
The latest deadline for applications is 14 October 2025 at 17:00 CET.
On July 11, 2025 at 3:00 CET. The ERC webinar will take place, which will present the 2026 work programme including all the new developments.
The webinar can be watched online.
The UP Project Service is preparing a separate ERC seminar for September 2025 for researchers and academics, where the ERC 2026 work programme will be presented in detail. We will inform you about the specific date.
If you are interested in information on ERC grants, you can also contact our colleague Mgr. Ondřej Němčák. We look forward to working with you!
Mgr. Ondřej Němčák
ondrej.nemcak@upol.cz
58 5631441 | 736 501 763
Source: ERC