The European Research Council has recently launched the ERC Starting Grants, which are now available to researchers worldwide. The grants offer financial support to those who wish to undertake independent research in Europe. Applicants with a 2-7 years post-PhD (or equivalent degree) experience, coupled with a scientific track record demonstrating great potential, are encouraged to apply. The grant is capable of funding up to 100% of the total eligible direct costs of the research.
About ERC Starting Grants for International Researchers in Europe
ERC Starting Grants: Despite Europe’s wealth of research opportunities, young investigators often face difficulties in establishing independent careers and transitioning from working under a supervisor to becoming independent researchers in their own right. This lack of support results in a significant loss of research talent in Europe and discourages highly talented researchers from pursuing advancement opportunities. To address this problem, ERC Starting Grants have been introduced to provide funding for promising researchers with proven potential to become independent research leaders. The grants aim to support the creation of new research teams and enable these emerging research leaders to conduct independent research in Europe. The scheme is designed to assist these talented individuals in establishing their own research teams and conducting groundbreaking research. The grants can cover up to 100% of the total eligible direct costs of the research.
Grant Value Details and Place of Study
The ERC Starting Grants provide substantial funding to potential researchers from around the world who want to conduct independent research in Europe. The grants are designed to address the issue of insufficient opportunities for young investigators to develop independent careers in Europe, which leads to a waste of research talent and limits the emergence of new research leaders. These grants aim to support promising researchers who have the potential to become independent research leaders and create excellent new research teams.
The ERC Starting Grants are normally worth €1.5 million and cover a period of five years. For researchers moving from a third country to the EU or an associated country, an additional €0.5 million can be made available to cover eligible “start-up” costs, purchase of major equipment, and access to large facilities. ERC grants can cover up to 100% of the total eligible direct costs of the research and contribute 25% of the total eligible costs towards indirect costs.
The research program is available in any field and takes place in EU Member States or Associated Countries.
Requirements for Application
- The ERC Starting Grants are available to researchers of all nationalities, who have between 2-7 years of experience since the completion of their PhD (with possible extensions).
- Applicants must possess a scientific track record that demonstrates great potential and submit an excellent research proposal.
How to Apply
- The European Research Council is accepting applications for their “Starting Grants” program, which supports independent research in any field.
- Interested applicants can find more information about the program and its application on the European Research Council website here