ERC Plus Grants
For the 2026 Work Programme, the ERC has announced a new funding instrument: the "super grant." This new instrument is part of several changes to the ERC Work Programme 2026.
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For the 2026 Work Programme, the ERC has announced a new funding instrument: the "super grant." This new instrument is part of several changes to the ERC Work Programme 2026.
Visions-AD / stock.adobe.com
The ERC Plus Grant funding scheme is designed for outstanding researchers of any nationality who aim to address a major scientific challenge. It supports projects that cannot be realised within the framework of a regular ERC grant, for example because they have the potential to fundamentally transform a research field or to open up an entirely new field of research. The scheme is open to researchers at all career stages and from all research domains, provided they demonstrate exceptional scientific excellence. The scientific leadership of the Principal Investigator (PI) is assessed in comparison with peers at the same career stage.
ERC Plus Grants are awarded for a minimum of four years (48 months) and up to seven years (84 months). The maximum grant size is €7 million with no possibility to request additional funding.
The Principal Investigator of an ERC Plus Grant must commit to dedicate at least 30% of their working time to the project and spend at least 50% of their working time in the EU or an associated country.
The ERC Plus Grant is awarded as a lump-sum contribution. The lump sum is based on a realistic and justified cost estimation and is intended to cover all activities necessary for the implementation of the project. The budget may include eligible costs only, consisting of direct costs and a 25% flat-rate for indirect costs, in accordance with the Horizon Europe financial rules. Further information on lump sums is provided on the right.
Planned publication of Call 2026: 2 June 2026, Deadline for proposal submission: 2 September 2026
Applicants should be aware that each year, only some 30 ERC Plus Grants can be awarded across all fields and all career stages, compared to approximately 1 000 Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grants. This high level of competitiveness should be taken into account when considering whether to submit an application.
The application procedure largely follows that of other ERC grants and consists of Part I and Part II of the Scientific Proposal, as well as a CV and Track Record. In addition, applicants must submit a Statement of Vision, explaining how and why the proposed research goes beyond the scope of existing ERC programmes.
The ERC Plus Grant is made possible in 2026 and 2027 through additional funding made available in 2025 under the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.