The European Research Council (ERC) is the EU’s premier funding body for frontier research, supporting top researchers across all scientific domains. Its highly competitive grants – Starting (StG), Consolidator (CoG), Advanced (AdG), and Synergy (SyG) – are designed to empower researchers to pursue ambitious, high-risk/high-gain projects that can shape the future of science and innovation in Europe.
The ERC has now announced significant changes to its 2027 Work Programme — and these updates call for new strategies in how and when to apply. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Expanded Eligibility Window for PhD Holders
- Starting Grant (StG): Now open to researchers 0–10 years after PhD
- Consolidator Grant (CoG): Now covers 5–15 years post-PhD
- This means that postdocs with 5–10 years of experience may now choose between StG and CoG.
But which one suits your profile?
- StG: Ideal for emerging, younger researchers
- CoG: Better fit for those with a more established academic track record
Tip: StG may have less competition and is often aligned with younger applicant profiles — but remember that evaluation criteria differ between the two. Strategy is key!
2. Lifetime Limit: Only 1 StG + 1 CoG Allowed
A fundamental shift:
- You can apply multiple times…
- …but you can only be funded once for each scheme during your career.
Implication:
- Your decision when and which call to apply for is now more critical than ever.
3. New Funding Instrument Incoming
As part of the Choose Europe for Science initiative:
- A new funding tool is under development
- Supported by a 7-year budget, details will emerge in late 2025
Stay tuned — this could open up entirely new opportunities for top-tier researchers across Europe.
4. Revamped Application Format & Evaluation Criteria (2026 onwards)
New two-part structure:
- Part I (5 pages): Vision, objectives, and strategic approach
- Part II (7–10 pages): Methodology, implementation, budget, and risk management
- Feasibility will now be evaluated only in Part II. Your Part I must sell the vision!
Learn More: Join Our Upcoming Workshop in Antalya or London!
To help you adapt to the new ERC format and develop a competitive proposal, we are pleased to invite you to our upcoming:
🔹 ERC Proposal Writing Workshop
📅 28–29 August 2025
📍 Antalya, Turkey
🧠 Includes theoretical sessions and hands-on practical work with expert feedback.
🔹 ERC Proposal Writing Workshop
📅 13–14 October 2025
📍London, United Kingdom
🧠 Includes theoretical sessions and hands-on practical work with expert feedback.
Whether you’re applying for StG, CoG, AdG, or SyG, this training will give you the strategic tools and proposal writing techniques to stand out.
