ERC Work Programme 2027: New funding rules expand opportunities for researchers in Europe

The European Research Council (ERC) has published its Work Programme 2027, thereby introducing important changes for applicants under Horizon Europe. Of particular relevance are the significantly expanded funding windows for Starting and Consolidator Grants, new application rules, and the continuation of the ERC Plus Grant. These changes open up the opportunity for more researchers to apply for one of Europe’s most prestigious grants for excellent basic research.

Wider eligibility windows for Starting and Consolidator Grants

Arguably the most significant change concerns the so-called ‘eligibility windows’. In future, researchers will be able to apply for an ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant over a longer period following the completion of their PhD.

From the 2027 Work Programme onwards, the following will apply:

• ERC Starting Grant: Applications may be submitted from the time of obtaining a PhD up to ten years thereafter (previously: two to seven years).
• ERC Consolidator Grant: Applications may be submitted between five and fifteen years after obtaining a PhD (previously: seven to twelve years).

The new rules will apply from the first calls in 2027

The changes will come into force as early as 2026 with the first calls for proposals under the ERC Work Programme 2027. Researchers planning to submit an application should therefore familiarise themselves with the new funding conditions at an early stage.

The first calls will open on the following dates:

• ERC Starting Grant 2027: Call opens 22 July 2026, deadline 14 October 2026
• ERC Consolidator Grant 2027: Call opens 24 September 2026, deadline 12 January 2027
• ERC Synergy Grant 2027: Call opens 17 February 2027, deadline 11 May 2027
• ERC Advanced Grant 2027: Call opens 27 May 2027, Deadline 26 August 2027
• ERC Plus Grant 2027: Call opens 1 June 2027, Deadline 1 September 2027

Starting and Consolidator Grants limited to one per career in future

Another new development is that researchers will only be able to receive an ERC Starting Grant or ERC Consolidator Grant once in their academic career. Anyone who has already secured a Starting or Consolidator Grant cannot reapply for the same funding scheme.

ERC Plus Grant to continue

Following its introduction in 2026, the ERC Plus Grant will continue in 2027. This funding scheme is aimed at outstanding researchers at all career stages whose research projects significantly exceed the scope of a traditional ERC Grant.

Funding will be provided for particularly ambitious projects with a duration of up to seven years and a grant amount of up to seven million euros. Across Europe, around 30 ERC Plus Grants are to be awarded once again.

Further changes to evaluation and re-application

In addition, the new Work Programme introduces further adjustments:

• stricter rules for re-applications following unsuccessful proposals,
• a five-point numerical scoring system for the ‘ERC Proof of Concept Grant’,
• revised eligibility criteria for certain third countries, and
• the continuation of additional funding under the ‘Choose Europe Initiative’ to attract excellent researchers from non-associated third countries to Europe.

More opportunities for excellent research in Europe

With these changes, the ERC aims to further strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in international cutting-edge research and to support scientific careers more flexibly. In particular, the extended ‘eligibility windows’ are expected to significantly broaden the pool of potential applicants and enable more researchers to access ERC funding.

As the ERC Work Programme 2027 is also the final work programme under the current Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2021–2027), these adjustments send an important signal regarding the future direction of European funding for excellence.

BayFOR provides support with ERC applications

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports researchers from Bavaria in preparing and submitting ERC applications – from initial funding advice and the strategic positioning of the research project through to optimising the application and preparing for interviews.

Find out about the new funding conditions of the ERC Work Programme 2027 at an early stage and get in touch with us. Together, we can increase your chances of a successful application.