European Research Council

Established in 2007, the European Research Council (ERC) is the European Union’s independent body for funding investigator-driven frontier research. Operating under the Horizon Europe framework with a budget exceeding €16 billion for 2021–2027, it supports excellence across all scientific disciplines through competitive grants awarded solely on scientific merit. ERC projects have generated thousands of intellectual property outcomes and more than 400 start-ups, with grantees recognised by Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals and other major awards. Over 850 institutions host ERC researchers representing more than 90 nationalities, advancing Europe’s position in global scientific leadership and innovation.