The ERC Starting Grant (StG) supports talented early-career researchers who have already produced excellent supervised work, are ready to work independently, and show potential to become research leaders. Applicants must have 2-7 years of post-PhD experience at the call deadline (window may be extended for documented reasons — see Eligibility).
- Max grant per project: EUR 1 500 000 for a 5-year project (pro-rata for shorter projects).
- Additional funding (up to EUR 1 000 000, or EUR 2 000 000 if relocating to EU/AC) may be requested for: (a) start-up costs if moving to the EU/AC from elsewhere, (b) major equipment, (c) access to large facilities, (d) other major experimental/fieldwork costs.
- Total call envelope (WP 2026 reference, ~stable for 2027): EUR 705 million for ~450 grants.
- Opening (indicative 2027 — mirror 2026): ~July 2026 — Deadline: ~14 October 2026 (17:00 CET, single deadline). To be confirmed when WP 2027 is published.
- Project duration: Up to 5 years (60 months).
- Submission language: English (Part A + Part B1 + Part B2).