Announced earlier under the working title “Super Grants”, the European Research Council is now introducing ERC Plus, an additional, even more excellency-based, long-term funding instrument, with calls planned in 2026 and 2027, to attract global talent.
Up to €7 million can be provided for projects with a duration of 4-7 years to address major scientific challenges.
Here are 10 quick facts:
- 30 grants per year (more possible) – thus, lower success rates than in Starting/Consolidator/Advanced/Syngergy Grant funding instruments expected
- Funding for the largest individual projects that do not fit in other funding instruments
- Calls open to researchers at all career stages and nationalities
- Researchers must reside in Europe at project start
- Required host institution based in the EU or in a country associated to Horizon Europe (e.g. UK or Switzerland)
- Application not possible if ongoing ERC grant is held
- ERC Plus is only granted once in a lifetime
- Application to other ERC schemes in the same year not possible
- Vision statement ½ to 2 pages
- Two-stage evaluation process: 1st proposal selection; 2nd interview
The first ERC Plus Call is expected to open on June 2, 2026, and to close on September 2, 2026. The first stage of evaluation is expected in November 2026 and the second stage in March or April 2027. Please keep in mind that these are expected, not confirmed, dates by the ERC. More info will follow in 2026.
Contact ZEUSS to learn more about the special ERC Plus features and to receive expert advisory support at all stages of your proposal. We can also support you with other ERC funding instruments like Starting, Consolidator and Advanced grants and any other question on Horizon Europe. Visit our website for more info: https://zeuss-saxony.de/about-us/#services