These enable researchers to consolidate their independence by establishing or strengthening a research team. Applications may be made in any field of research with an emphasis on the frontiers of science, scholarship and engineering.

PIs may may be of any nationality and based in any country at the time of application. They should have been awarded their PhD between seven and 12 years prior to 1 January 2021 and must show evidence of research independent, for example by having produced several important publications as main author or without participation of their PhD supervisor. Host institutions must be established in EU members states or associated countries as a legal entity under national law, or may be an international European research organisation, the European Commission's joint research centre or any other entity under EU law, including public and private entities, universities, research organisations and similar undertakings. The applicant does not need to be working at the institution at the time of application. Applicants must spend a minimum of 50 per cent of working time in an EU member state or associated country and a minimum of 40 per cent of their working time on the ERC project.

The total budget is €633 million and 317 grants are available. Grants are worth up to €2 million over five years. An additional €1m may be requested for eligible start-up costs of moving to the EU or an associated country, purchase of major equipment, access to large facilities and other major experimental and field work costs. Funding covers 100 per cent of total eligible direct costs and 25 per cent of total eligible indirect costs.

For more information visit the European Research Council website.