When you think of groundbreaking discoveries — from quantum computing and gene editing to artificial intelligence and climate science — there’s a good chance that somewhere behind them stands the quiet but powerful force of the European Research Council (ERC).

Founded in 2007, the ERC has become the crown jewel of European research funding, empowering scientists, engineers, and innovators to follow their boldest ideas — wherever they might lead. Unlike many funding schemes focused on specific technologies or policy goals, the ERC has one guiding principle: support excellence, and let curiosity lead the way.

A funding model built on freedom

The ERC operates under the Horizon Europe framework, but it has always marched to the beat of its own drum. It doesn’t tell researchers what to study. Instead, it asks:

“What is the most ambitious idea you can imagine — and how will you make it happen?”

This philosophy is revolutionary. The ERC gives its grantees intellectual freedom — and, crucially, the resources to take risks that conventional funding schemes often avoid.

Funding can reach up to €2.5 million per project, and ERC grants cover every stage of a researcher’s career:

• Starting Grants – for young scientists building their first independent teams.
• Consolidator Grants – for mid-career researchers strengthening their scientific vision.
• Advanced Grants – for established leaders pushing the boundaries of their disciplines.
• Synergy Grants – for cross-disciplinary teams tackling major scientific challenges together.
• Proof of Concept Grants – for turning ERC research results into real-world innovations.

Where curiosity meets impact

What makes the ERC so special is that it funds people, not projects. It believes that exceptional individuals — given trust, autonomy, and time — can change the world.

And they do.
ERC-funded scientists have contributed to Nobel Prizes, breakthroughs in cancer therapy, energy efficiency, and digital transformation. But their impact is not just scientific — it’s societal and economic.

For instance, ERC projects have seeded start-ups, informed EU policy, and trained thousands of young researchers who now drive innovation across Europe and beyond.

Why it matters in 2025 and beyond

As Europe faces an era of profound transition — digital, green, geopolitical — the ERC’s role has never been more important. The 2025–2027 ERC work programme continues to emphasize scientific excellence, international collaboration, and innovation potential.

New calls encourage cross-disciplinary proposals that bridge science and technology — from AI-driven sustainability to biotech-enabled materials.

For researchers and institutions, 2025 offers a window of opportunity: to secure funding that not only sustains discovery but also anchors Europe’s leadership in global research.

The European Research Council isn’t just another funding programme — it’s a movement for scientific freedom. It tells Europe’s brightest minds: dare to dream big, and we’ll stand behind you.

For those ready to take the leap — to push the frontiers of knowledge and redefine what’s possible — the ERC is more than a grant.
It’s the spark that ignites discovery.