Following on from November's webinar on the new ERC Plus grants, the European Research Council (ERC) has created a new website dedicated to the call for applications for ERC Plus grants. The authors note that the website is currently for informational purposes only, until the European Commission adopts the updated work program for 2026. The updated work program, which will confirm the content of this website, is expected to be adopted in January 2026.
Link to the new ERC Plus website: HERE.
The new funding program, ERC Plus grants, aims to support outstanding scientists from Europe and around the world who have bold ideas and a vision for transformative research that goes beyond the scope of existing ERC programs. The funding for this new grant program was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her speech on May 5, 2025, on the "Choose Europe" initiative.
The ERC Plus Grant supports outstanding principal investigators who are tackling significant scientific challenges. Applications for ERC Plus Grants should be submitted for projects that could not be carried out with a regular ERC grant. Applicants should explain how the proposed project goes beyond the scope of a regular ERC project, for example because it aims to transform a given field or open up new avenues of research. Applicants should be aware that only about 30 ERC Plus grants can be awarded each year across all fields and career stages, while approximately 1,000 Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced grants are awarded. This level of competitiveness should be taken into account when considering whether to apply.
A recording of the November webinar is also available on the website, including answers to all questions asked during the live broadcast. - HERE.
Source: erc.europa.eu