🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to €2,000,000 (standard), with an additional €1,000,000 available for major equipment, startup costs, or access to large facilities.
🗓
Deadline
January 14, 2025 (Call ERC-2025-CoG)
🔬
Fields
All fields of science, engineering, and scholarship (Physical Sciences and Engineering, Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 300-330 awards per year
🌏
Study Country
EU Member States and Associated Countries
🏛️
Provider
European Research Council (ERC)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 13%
The ERC Consolidator Grant is a flagship funding program of the European Union designed to support mid-career researchers. It allows scientists to solidify their research teams and pursue high-risk, high-gain projects that have the potential to redefine their fields. The grant is part of the 'Excellent Science' pillar of the Horizon Europe program.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to researchers who have successfully defended their first PhD between 7 and 12 years prior to the call reference date. Extensions are possible for maternity/paternity leave, long-term illness, or national service.
🏛️ Host University
Any recognized public or private research organization (Host Institution) based in an EU Member State or an Associated Country.
🤝 Sponsor
European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA)
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields of science, engineering, and scholarship (Physical Sciences and Engineering, Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities)
✨ Key Benefits
The grant provides funding of up to €2 million over five years to support researchers in consolidating their independent research team and conducting high-impact, frontier research.
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career Researchers / Principal Investigators
🏷 Tags
ERC
Consolidator Grant
Research
PhD
EU
Innovation
STEM
Humanities
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Not applicable (covers professional research and salary costs)
Living Stipend
Covers the salary of the Principal Investigator and their research team (PhD students, postdocs, etc.)
Total Award
Up to €2,000,000 (standard
✈️ Travel: Yes (included as part of the eligible project costs)
🏠 Accommodation: No (salary is intended to cover personal living expenses)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (provided via the host institution's standard employment contract)
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Not applicable (covers professional research and salary costs)
🏠 Living Stipend
Covers the salary of the Principal Investigator and their research team (PhD students, postdocs, etc.)
🏡 Accommodation
No (salary is intended to cover personal living expenses)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (included as part of the eligible project costs)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (provided via the host institution's standard employment contract)
🎁 Other Benefits
Prestige of the award, total scientific independence, ability to build a dedicated research team, and access to top-tier European research networks.
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; however, researchers may apply for different ERC grant tiers (Advanced, Synergy) in the future.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of PhD.
🎓 Academic Level
Postdoctoral / Mid-career Researcher (7-12 years post-PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
Not applicable (Evaluation is based on research track record and PhD status)
🗣️ English Requirement
High level of English proficiency required for proposal writing and the mandatory interview stage.
🎂 Age Limit
None (Eligibility is based on the number of years post-PhD)
💼 Work Experience
7-12 years of research experience after PhD completion, with a demonstrated track record of early-career achievements.
🏆 Leadership
Must demonstrate the ability to lead a research team and show evidence of scientific independence.
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career Researchers / Principal Investigators
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed Scientific Proposal: Part B1 - Synopsis and Part B2 - Full Description)
Rec Letters
A 'Commitment of the Host Institution' letter is mandatory.
Interview
Yes (Candidates passing the first stage of evaluation are invited for an interview)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- A 'Commitment of the Host Institution' letter is mandatory. Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- High level of English proficiency required for proposal writing and the mandatory interview stage.
- Interview: Yes (Candidates passing the first stage of evaluation are invited for an interview)
- Min GPA: Not applicable (Evaluation is based on research track record and PhD status)
📋 Application Process
Focus on the 'High-Risk/High-Gain' aspect of the project. Ensure your track record shows you are a leader in your specific niche of research.
💡 Insider Tip: Address the evaluation panel specifically, as the first stage is read by generalists in your field, while the second stage is reviewed by specialists.