European Research Council adopts 2026 work programme – new funding criteria and application procedures

The European Research Council (ERC) has published its work programme for 2026. This contains comprehensive information on planned funding opportunities, call periods, budget amounts, and new application and review procedures. The ERC Scientific Council prepared the document, which was then officially adopted by the European Commission.

Important changes at a glance

Starting with the 2026 work programme, new submission formats and evaluation steps will apply to all applicants:

• Two-part application: In future, funding applications must be submitted in two sections. Part I (max. five pages) will contain a concise presentation of the scientific idea and objectives. Part II provides a detailed description of the methodology, implementation and work plan. Feasibility will only be assessed in step two of the evaluation process.
• Relocation to Europe: Researchers based outside Europe can apply for up to €2 million in additional funding to cover relocation costs and any personnel costs.
• Extended exemptions: New grounds for extending eligibility have been added for Starting Grants and Consolidator Grants, including gender-based violence and an expanded definition of parental leave.
• Submission restriction for Synergy Grants: Researchers who received only a ‘B’ rating in the 2025 call for proposals for a Synergy Grant are temporarily excluded from reapplying.

Outlook: Funding periods will be adjusted from 2027

In order to accommodate a variety of academic career paths more effectively, the ERC intends to extend the funding periods for Starting and Consolidator Grants from 2027 onwards. Additionally, the Scientific Council is developing a new funding instrument as part of the 'Choose Europe for Science' initiative, which aims to strengthen Europe's position as a research location.

Further information can be found here.