ERC Advanced Grant 2026: Up to €2.5 Million for Frontier Research
The ERC Advanced Grant 2026 provides up to €2.5 million (plus possible additions) for established researchers pursuing frontier research in any discipline. Open until 27 Aug 2026, with no nationality or age restrictions.
The European Research Council (ERC) has opened applications for its 2026 Advanced Grant Programme, offering up to €2.5 million in funding for frontier research projects lasting up to five years. The programme targets established research leaders of any nationality and age, provided they conduct their work at an eligible host institution in an EU Member State or Associated Country. The deadline for submissions is August 27, 2026.
The ERC Advanced Grant aims to support investigator-driven, high-risk, and high-gain research across all scientific disciplines. There are no predefined thematic priorities, and applicants are encouraged to propose original, ambitious, and innovative projects. Focus areas include life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental sciences, medical research, social sciences, economics, humanities, and interdisciplinary research.
In addition to the base budget of up to €2.5 million, researchers may request an extra €1 million to cover eligible costs such as major equipment, access to large facilities, or large-scale fieldwork. Principal Investigators moving to the EU or an Associated Country from outside can apply for up to an additional €2 million.
Eligible host institutions include universities, public and private research organizations, research institutes, companies, and international European research organizations. The institution must engage and host the Principal Investigator for the full project duration and provide an appropriate research environment. Successful applicants must spend at least 50% of their working time in an EU Member State or Associated Country and dedicate at least 30% of their working time to the ERC-funded project.
Applications will be evaluated solely on the basis of scientific excellence, as outlined in the ERC Work Programme 2026. The programme is considered one of Europe’s most prestigious research funding opportunities, designed to strengthen Europe’s global leadership in research and innovation.