Dear Researchers,
The European Research Council's 2027 Work Programme has been published by the European Commission, and the ERC 2027 Starting Grant (StG) call is now open for applications.
The ERC Starting Grant supports ambitious and ground-breaking research projects proposed by talented early-career researchers who are beginning to establish their research independence and have creative, original ideas with the potential for significant scientific impact.
The ERC-2027-StG call opened on 22 July 2026. The application deadline is 14 October 2026.
Who can apply?
Under the 2027 Work Programme, the eligibility windows for the Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant have been extended, and the eligibility periods for the two schemes now partially overlap.
Researchers who defended their PhD between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2026 may apply.
Researchers who defended their PhD between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021 may apply.
Researchers eligible for both schemes may submit only one proposal under the 2027 ERC calls. Applicants should consult the official Work Programme for detailed provisions concerning documented extensions to the eligibility windows.
Budget and funding opportunities
Core project funding for up to five years
Additional justified eligible costs
Maximum additional support for researchers relocating from third countries
Researchers currently based in non-associated third countries who plan to relocate to an EU Member State or an Associated Country, such as Türkiye, to carry out their ERC project may request up to €2 million in additional funding, subject to the applicable conditions.
Proposal development support
Researchers preparing an ERC Starting Grant proposal are encouraged to contact the Research Coordination Office – Project Development Office to benefit from proposal pre-evaluation services and other application support.
Academics wishing to attract outstanding researchers to their research groups may proactively contact potential candidates abroad and encourage them to consider METU as their host institution for an ERC Starting Grant application.
Watch the recording of “Towards an ERC Starting Grant: From Promising Idea to Competitive Proposal”.