The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded 494 Starting Grants to European scientists and scholars, totalling nearly €780 million worth of funding. The grants support cutting-edge research in various fields, including life sciences, physics, social sciences, and humanities. Successful applicants will host their projects at universities and research centres in 24 EU Member States and Associated Countries.
The UK has risen up the table of countries hosting ERC starting grants since it re-joined Horizon Europe. With 50 projects to be hosted in the country, the UK had the third-most winners across EU member states and associated countries.
The grants are expected to create 3,160 jobs within the teams of new grantees. The Call attracted 3,474 proposals, with 14.2% selected for funding. Female researchers received 44% of the Starting Grants, an increase from 43% in 2023 and 39% in 2022. The grants amount to €1.5 million per grant for five years.
For more information, including facts and figures of this round of funding, visit the ERC webpage.