Horizon Europe - European Research Council (ERC)

Since 2007, the ERC has been funding basic research through open calls for proposals to which outstanding scientists from all disciplines can apply. The sole selection criterion for ERC grants is the scientific excellence of both the project proposals and the applicants.

Since the foundation of the ERC, researchers' interest has steadily increased, which is also reflected in the number of applications. In the period 2007 to 2021, the approval rate for German applicants was approximately 15 percent. In addition, the ERC proposal can also serve as a basis for national funding formats and it can be submitted in an adapted form (double funding is not permitted).

In order to increase your chances of success, advisory and application paths have been established at the University of Göttingen, which have proven successful in the past. Advice is provided by the staff of the EU Office of the Research and Transfer Services. In order for this to be of the greatest possible benefit, we would like to encourage you to contact the EU Office three months before the respective submission deadline. The lead time is necessary as coordination between the applicant, the respective Dean's Office, the central administration and the Presidential Board is required in order to clarify issues such as access to premises (e.g. laboratory space) and personnel matters, as well as to ensure a sound budget calculation for the entire duration of the project (e.g. depreciation of equipment, audits).

If you wish to submit an ERC application, it is possible to apply for start-up funding for the work during the application phase. Please contact the EU Office six months before submitting your ERC application.

Please note the following ERC announcement: To be eligible for an ERC Starting Grant in the 2027 call for proposals, the applicant must have defended their PhD no more than 10 years before 1 January 2027. For a Consolidator Grant in the 2027 call, the thesis defence must have been between 5 and 15 years before 1 January 2027. The eligibility period may be extended in duly documented cases, such as parental leave or clinical training. The changes are subject to the pending formal adoption of the 2027 ERC work programme in summer 2026.

In order to support all applicants in structuring the timeline up to the application deadline, the EU Office publishes internal deadlines that serve as a recommendation.

The ERC offers a video series under the name "ERC Classes". This series will give you specific information about the ERC application and the evaluation process, including tips to prepare for the interviews.

We look forward to supporting you with our expertise in your ERC application.