Introducing ERC Plus Grants: Pioneering Research Beyond Boundaries

The European Research Council (ERC) is launching a groundbreaking funding scheme in 2026: ERC Plus Grants. This new initiative is designed for visionary researchers with bold, transformative ideas—projects that go beyond the scope of traditional ERC programmes and redefine the frontiers of science.

Important: The competition for ERC Plus Grants will be extremely intense. Only the most exceptional proposals will succeed.

The ERC has introduced a webinar to present the new ERC Plus Grants.

What are ERC Plus Grants? 

ERC Plus Grants are a new funding instrument aimed at empowering outstanding principal investigators to pursue high-risk, high-reward research. These grants focus on the breakthrough-oriented projects that challenge conventional paradigms and open new directions in science and innnovation.

The key features of the ERC Plus Grants are: 

• Funding: Up to €7 million (lump sum)
• Duration: 4-7 years
• Number of Grants: ~30 per year
• Open to all disciplines, with no quotas
• No pro-rata allocation
• No additional funding

Who can apply? 

• Researchers at any career stage
• Must be based in the EU or plan to move there for the project.
• Current ERC grantees can apply only after completing their existing grant.
• Only on active ERC application at a time

Key objetives: 

• Support visionary research that transcends incremental progress.
• Encourage scientific independence and leadership
• Foster projects with transformative potential and globa impact. 

Evaluation process

ERC plus introduces a two-step evaluation: 

1. Scientific Excellence - Assessed by expert panels following ERC´s rigorous standards.
2. Vision Assessment - A unique interview-style review focusing on the applicant´s ability to articulate the transformative nature of their idea to a broad audience. 

Application timeline

• Call open: End of June 2026 (tentative)
• Deadline: Early September 2026
• Results: Expected early 2027

Why apply?

ERC Plus Grants offer an unprecedented opportunity for researchers whose ambitions exceed traditional funding limits. If your project has the potential to reshape your field, this is your chance.

Watch the webinar for more details: Webinar on ERC Plus Grants | ERC (YouTube)

Restrictions

• Current grantees not in the last two years of their grant cannot apply.
• Panel members of Advanced Grants 2026 cannot apply.
• Applicants selected for funding or preparing a Grant Agreement under WP 2024 or 2025 cannot apply.
• Applicants with an eligible application for any other call under WP 2026 will not be evaluated
• Some applicants who previously received BS or C scores cannot apply. 

Proposal structure

• Part I - Scientific Proposal: Up to 5 pages
• Statement of vision: 0.5 - 2 pages
• CV & Track record: Up to 4 pages
• Part II - Scientific Proposal: Up to 7 pages
• Resources & Commitment: Up to 2 pages
• (No eligiblity window - no need to prove PhD date)

Evaluation of ERC Plus

ERC Plus is distinct and unique - not like any other ERC grant. The goal is to support exceptional PIs doing groundbreaking research that cannot be carried out under any other ERC scheme.

Key points: 

• Uniqueness: Researchers can receive this grant only once in their career.
• Step 1: Evaluation by Advanced Grant panels (AdG)
• Step 2: Interview-based review by ERC Plus panels (domain-neutral, mixed LS/PE/SH)
• Track Record: Will carry proportionally higher importance than in other ERC calls (Robust achievement are essential).