European Research Council (ERC)


ERC Research Funding 

The European Research Council (ERC) is an institution established by the European Commission to fund basic and excellent research. The ERC is funded through the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe.

The aim of ERC funding is to support the best and most creative scientists in exploring new approaches in all disciplines. In particular, interdisciplinary approaches that transcend the disciplinary boundaries of their field are considered to be promising for innovation.

Characteristics & Target Groups 

  • promotion of groundbreaking "pioneering" research
  • scientific excellence as the sole selection criterion
  • no thematic restrictions for project ideas
  • submission as individual applicant or as a group (no consortia!)
  • scientists of any age working at institutions within EU member states or associated countries are eligible to apply.
  • one-stage application procedure with two-stage evaluation (SyG: three-stage application)
  • review in an internationally oriented peer review process 

Overview of Various Funding Lines 

ERC Starting Grant (StG)

ERC Starting Grants are aimed at excellent young researchers who are at the beginning of an independent career and want to establish their own research group.Applicants should meet certain standards and be able to demonstrate this, e.g. by at least one publication as lead author in an international journal, publication of a (translated) monograph, patents or presentations at international conferences. In addition to a promising academic career, an innovative and ambitious research project is also required.



ERC Consolidator Grant (CoG)

ERC Consolidator Grants are aimed at excellent and promising young scientists who want to consolidate their own research group or research program. Applicants should meet certain standards and be able to demonstrate this, for example, through publications as lead author in leading international journals, monographs, patents, presentations at international conferences, or (inter)national science awards. In addition, proof should be provided that at least one important publication was published without a doctoral supervisor. 


ERC Advanced Grant (AdG)

ERC Advanced Grants are aimed at established scientists who are conducting new, outstanding research projects. For the evaluation of the scientific performance of an applicant the last 10 years are decisive. Depending on the research field, publications as lead author in leading international journals, (translated) monographs, patents, presentations at international conferences, research expeditions, the organization of international conferences, as well as (inter)national science prizes and academy memberships of the applicant are taken into account with different weighting in the assessment of scientific excellence. 


Synergy Grant (SyG)

ERC Synergy Grants are aimed at groups of two to four scientists who are jointly planning the implementation of a new research project. Funding is provided for projects that lead to discoveries at intersections between established disciplines, and to substantial advances at the frontiers of knowledge. A prerequisite for a Synergy Grant is that the project is only made possible and has promise through the collaboration of researchers. In addition, excellent research experience must be demonstrated by the individual team members. Applicants are evaluated depending on the stage of their career according to the criteria of Starting, Consolidating, or Advanced Grants.



Consulting & Support at Goethe University

Our team for 'EU and International Research Funding' at Research Support will be happy to assist you with your ERC application!

Comprehensive support regarding ERC applications:

  • Does your CV/project match the ERC criteria? 
  • What are formal requirements?
  • How do you design your project budget?

Apart from that we... 

  • offer feedback on your proposal text and structure
  • sign Host Support Letters

Contact Information

Division: Research Support

Department: Research Funding and Scientific Career Development

Team: EU and International Research Funding 

Campus Westend, IKB-Gebäude

Eschersheimer Landstraße 121

Hauspostfach 32

60629 Frankfurt

E-Mail: eu-research@uni-frankfurt.de