On 16 May 2025, the European Research Council (ERC) formally adopted the decision to increase the ERC’s support for leading researchers moving to Europe. On top of its standard grants, the ERC offers additional ‘start-up’ funding to help new grantees establish their laboratories or research team in Europe. This funding is now being doubled from up to €1 million to up to €2 million. This will apply already in the ERC Advanced Grant competition, which is due to open on 22 May 2025, with a deadline for submissions on 28 August 2025. The ERC also intends to maintain this amount for all grant competitions in 2026 and 2027.
The increased funding aims to further help outstanding scientists from around the world by easing their transition and establishment in Europe. For example, a new ERC Advanced Grant recipient relocating from the United States, whose main grant can total up to €2.5 million, can now apply for up to €2 million in addition. These funding can be used to set up a laboratory or research team in the European Union or countries associated to Horizon Europe and/or purchase equipment needed to carry out their research for the grant.
The ERC points out that as in the past, scientific excellence remains the only evaluation criterion at the ERC and researchers from outside Europe will compete on the same terms as other applicants. The additional funding can be granted provided it is scientifically justified.