Unlock Innovation: ERC Announces Exciting New Budget for Europe’s ‘Super Grants’ in Science

The European Research Council (ERC) has exciting news! The European Commission is boosting its budget to launch a new funding program called "super grants." Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled this initiative during her speech at the "Choose Europe for Science" conference in Paris.

These new grants will be awarded based solely on scientific excellence. They’re open to researchers from all backgrounds, regardless of nationality. Anyone willing to relocate to an EU country or a Horizon Europe-associated nation can apply. This is a fantastic opportunity for researchers looking to pursue innovative projects across Europe.

In addition to these super grants, the ERC is doubling the financial support for researchers moving to Europe. Since its creation in 2007, researchers outside Europe could apply for up to €1 million to establish a lab or team. Now, starting this May, that amount can increase to €2 million. This change aims to attract top talent to Europe and strengthen its research landscape.

The ERC is crucial for frontier research, funding bold projects regardless of the researcher’s nationality or age. Managed by an independent Scientific Council, the ERC has a budget exceeding €16 billion from 2021 to 2027 through the Horizon Europe program, led by European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva.

Notably, the ERC offers several grant schemes, including Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants, alongside Synergy Grants. They also provide Proof of Concept Grants to help researchers transition their discoveries into commercial applications.

This funding not only supports scientific progress but also enhances Europe’s role as a center for research and innovation. Many in the academic community are buzzing with excitement about these developments, recognizing them as a significant step forward in fostering a vibrant research ecosystem.

For more on ERC funding opportunities, you can check the Horizon Europe website.

Source link