The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded Starting Grants worth a total of €761m to 478 early-career researchers across Europe.
These prestigious ERC grants, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, are designed to give young scientists the resources to launch their own projects, assemble teams, and explore groundbreaking ideas at the frontiers of knowledge.
Each starting grant provides up to €1.5m over five years, with the possibility of additional funding for major equipment, relocation costs, or large-scale experiments.
The scheme is expected to generate around 3,000 research jobs across Europe.
Professor Maria Leptin, ERC President, commented: “All these bright minds and the plethora of brilliant ideas that they will go after really inspire me, and so does their scientific creativity. It also gives hope that Europe empowers them and backs them.
“Yet, we could do more! Only 12% of all proposals in this competition are being funded, even if many more are excellent. More investment in this type of science is needed for Europe to reach its full potential.”
Wide range of projects funded through ERC grants
The successful projects span multiple disciplines, from physical sciences and engineering to life sciences and the social sciences.
Examples include:
- A Netherlands-based study into artificial touch and its potential to feel more natural.
- Research in Austria on how ageing reshapes human tissues and triggers disease.
- An Estonian project exploring whether adult ADHD mirrors childhood ADHD.
- A Spanish-led investigation into how plants shield themselves from sun damage.
These examples highlight the diversity of research supported through ERC grants, with many expected to lead to breakthroughs in health, technology, and sustainability.
Strong competition and diverse talent
This year’s competition attracted nearly 4,000 proposals, a 13% increase on 2024. Just over 12% were selected for funding, demonstrating the highly competitive nature of the call.
The grantees represent 51 nationalities and will carry out their work in 25 countries. Germany secured the highest number of grants (99), followed by the UK (60), the Netherlands (44), and France (41).
In terms of researcher nationality, Germans (87), Italians (55), and French (33) topped the list, alongside 32 each from Spain and the UK.
Gender representation remains steady, with 42% of this year’s Starting Grants awarded to women, aligning closely with previous years.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, added: “Among the winners in this new round of EU funding are researchers of 51 nationalities.
“They will be advancing knowledge across a wide range of scientific fields, including cancer, mental health and quantum science.
“We see leading scientists coming to Europe with these new grants, and many choosing to remain here thanks to this support. This demonstrates Europe’s potential to attract and keep top scientific talent.”
Switzerland’s pending participation
The list of grantees remains provisional due to Switzerland’s pending association with Horizon Europe. A final agreement is expected in 2025.
Until then, researchers based at Swiss institutions risk ineligibility unless they transfer their projects to eligible EU or associated host institutions.
Driving Europe’s innovation future
By empowering talented early-career researchers, ERC grants not only strengthen Europe’s scientific base but also fuel innovation and job creation.
The latest round confirms the ERC’s vital role in nurturing the next generation of world-class scientists and thinkers.
