ERC Consolidator Grants (up to €2 million for up to 5 years) are for researchers of any nationality who want to set up their own research group in Europe or for those who have recently set up a group and want to strengthen it. The 2025 call is now open.

The eligibility criteria are having 7-12 years of experience since completion of PhD, a scientific track record showing great promise, and an excellent research proposal.

And did you know you can apply from a different research organization to where you are currently working? The research must be conducted in a public or private research organization, either where the researcher already works, or at any other ‘host institution’ located in one of the EU Member States or associated countries. The researcher does not need to be employed by the host institution at the time of the application, but a mutual agreement and commitment will be necessary, and the host institution must offer suitable conditions for the researchers  to independently lead the research and manage funding. Speak to your grant office or that of the institution where you want to apply from.

So, are you thinking of applying for an ERC Consolidator Grant? You will need an excellent research project idea, that has come out of your extensive knowledge of your field, your deep expertise, your capacity to innovate, and your understanding of the work of your collaborators (actual and potential) and competitors. It will require time, energy, focus, patience, attention to detail, and self-analysis to prepare the application. You will definitely need confidence in your project and your ability to deliver it, and know this is the right moment in your career to apply for this grant.

If you are ready, the ERC provides helpful instructions and resources to support prospective applicants, from the information that is updated each year to the dashboards and databases that you can examine to interrogate previous award recipients. Please note that the videos from their research officers highlighting how you need to approach the application process are going to be updated with new information. Keep an eye on the ERC communication channels to find out more.

How to keep up to date on ERC funding opportunities?

The ERC has a new WhatsApp Channel that you can follow, which shares real-time updates, quick tips, and application reminders. You can also follow the ERC on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and subscribe to the ERC Update newsletter (at the end of the ERC’s homepage).

Top image by the European Research Council.