ERC PLUS GRANTS

The ERC Plus Grant supports outstanding Principal Investigators addressing major scientific challenges that go beyond the aims of regular ERC projects, aiming to transform or open new fields of research. Applications are open to scholars at all career stages with an exceptional scientific record and demonstrated intellectual leadership. Approximately 30 grants are awarded annually, across all fields and career stages, with the grant awarded as a single lump sum contribution for the entirety of the project.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	2 Jun 2026
End date	2 Sep 2026
Max funding	Up to EUR 7,000,000 as a single lump sum for the entire project, for a duration of 4 to 7 years (48 to 84 months). The maximum amount is not reduced for shorter durations.
Budget	EUR 210,000,000 foreseen for 2026
Coverage	The grant covers the entirety of the project based on a realistic estimate of the actual cost of the proposed action.

Grant application conditions

Applicant Type	Principal Investigator with outstanding scientific achievements at the forefront of their field; scholars at all career stages are eligible.
Proposal Admissibility	Proposals must be complete, readable, accessible, and submitted electronically before the call deadline by a Principal Investigator. A statement of support (host institution support letter) must be included.
Eligible Countries	Principal Investigators must carry out their research in a Host Institution established in an EU Member State or Associated Country.
Host Institution Eligibility	Any type of legal entity, public or private, including universities, research organisations, or undertakings, established in an EU Member State or Associated Country, or international European research organisations established in such states.
Time Commitment	The Principal Investigator must spend at least 50% of their working time in an EU Member State or Associated Country. At least 30% of their working time must be dedicated to the ERC project.
Eligible Scientific Field	Any field of science; interdisciplinary research proposals are welcomed.
Application Restriction	A researcher may be Principal Investigator of only one ERC Plus Grant in their lifetime. Restrictions on reapplication may apply as specified in the ERC Work Programme.
Financial and Operational Capacity	Applicants must not be subject to administrative sanctions or in exclusion situations set out by the EU Financial Regulation.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERC-2026-PLUS

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements