ERC Tightens Application Rules for 2027: More Competition, Stricter Resubmission Rules

The European Research Council (ERC) is responding to the sharp rise in demand for funding with significantly stricter application rules. In an open letter, ERC President Maria Leptin explains the planned changes for upcoming calls in the 2027 work program. For researchers—including those in Bavaria and Germany—this results in important new conditions for submitting applications.

Background: Sharp Rise in ERC Applications

The number of ERC applications has risen sharply in recent years. Whereas individual review panels used to evaluate between 50 and 150 applications, the number has now risen to over 250 submissions per panel in some cases. This trend places a significant burden on the evaluation system, particularly on peer reviewers and the ERC Executive Agency.

Despite measures already implemented to improve efficiency, the ERC now sees a need for further action. The goal remains to ensure the high quality of the review process.

Key Change: Stricter Resubmission Rules

To reduce the number of proposals, the ERC is tightening the rules for resubmissions:

• Waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants will be extended by another year
• This particularly affects applications with low ratings (B and C ratings)
• These regulations already apply to the 2027 ERC calls
• Similar restrictions could also apply in subsequent years (2028/2029)

Consequence: Researchers should strategically choose the timing of their application and only submit well-developed project ideas.

Further important changes in the 2027 ERC Work Program

Adjustments to funding lines (Starting & Consolidator Grants)

• Starting Grant: PhD obtained no more than 10 years prior to January 1, 2027
• Consolidator Grant: PhD obtained between 5 and 15 years prior to the deadline
• Extensions remain possible (e.g., parental leave)

New restrictions on applications

• Generally, only one application per person per call
• No reapplication for a Starting or Consolidator Grant if already funded
• Restrictions on parallel applications (e.g., Advanced vs. Synergy Grants)

Changes to Synergy Grants

• All Principal Investigators (PIs) must remain eligible throughout the entire process
• Otherwise, the entire application will be deemed ineligible

Schedule adjustment

• Start of the 2027 Synergy Grant call postponed to February 2027

Implications for researchers in Bavaria and Germany

For applicants from Bavaria, Germany, and Europe, this means:

• Strategic planning is crucial: A premature application can have long-term consequences
• Quality over timing: Better to submit later than to fail with underdeveloped concepts
• Consulting is becoming increasingly important – for example, through organizations such as BayFOR

Conclusion

With these new measures, the ERC is sending a clear signal: The increasing competition for funding requires more selective procedures. Researchers should inform themselves early on and prepare their applications carefully.

BayFOR is happy to support you with strategic planning and application submission for ERC Grants.