ERC Plus Grants: €7M Research Funding Opportunity for PhD Researchers in Europe European Research Council in United Kingdom

The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the new ERC Plus Grants, offering an unprecedented research funding opportunity for PhD researchers worldwide who are interested in establishing their research programs in Europe. With a maximum of €7 million available over a 7-year period, the ERC Plus Grant is now the largest individual research grant in the European Union, surpassing previous ERC funding schemes and rivaling major US grants such as the NIH R35.

Key features of the ERC Plus Grant include:

• Open to PhD researchers at any career stage, with no distinction between junior, middle, or advanced levels.
• Applicants must be residents in the EU or planning to set up a laboratory in Europe.
• Scientific excellence is the sole evaluation criterion, with a review process similar to the ERC Advanced Grants.
• Only 30 ERC Plus Grants will be awarded, making this a highly competitive opportunity.
• Applicants cannot have an active ERC grant and may only hold one ERC Plus Grant in their lifetime.
• The grant supports ambitious, long-term research programs for up to 7 years, with a maximum of €1 million per year.

This initiative is designed to support outstanding EU researchers and attract top foreign talent to Europe, fostering scientific innovation and leadership. The application window will open next year, with a deadline set for September 2026. Interested candidates should begin preparing their research proposals and monitor the ERC website for further details and official announcements.

For more information, visit the European Research Council's official channels or connect with academic professionals such as Carlos Guimarães, Assistant Researcher at Stanford University, who shared this announcement.