ERC 2026 Starting Grant Call is Now Open for Applications!
The ERC 2026 Starting Grant call is now open. Applications can be submitted until 14 October 2025.
This call targets early-career researchers who have demonstrated scientific independence, possess creative and original ideas, and show great potential to carry out groundbreaking and ambitious research projects.
Eligibility criteria:
Researchers who have successfully defended their PhD between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023 are eligible to apply.
In specific cases (such as maternity/paternity leave, military service, or long-term illness), extensions to the eligibility window may be granted in line with ERC rules.
Budget and funding opportunities:
Successful applicants may receive up to €1.5 million in funding for a period of 5 years.
An additional €1 million can be requested to cover major equipment purchases, large-scale fieldwork, or other extraordinary costs.
Researchers currently based in third countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Japan) who plan to move to an EU Member State or Associated Country (e.g., Türkiye) under an ERC project may request up to €2 million in additional funding to support "start-up" activities such as setting up a lab and hiring a team. For example, a researcher planning to move from the USA to Türkiye with an ERC proposal may request a total budget of €3.5 million.
This call presents a significant funding opportunity for researchers based in Türkiye or those planning to relocate to Türkiye from outside Europe.
Call budget:
A total budget of €705 million has been allocated under the ERC 2026 Starting Grant call, with the aim of supporting approximately 450 projects across all scientific disciplines.
Call page:
Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal: Call page
Upcoming Events:
ERC 2026 Work Programme Info Webinar
📅 10 July 2025 – Organized by ERCEA, Online
More informationERC 2026 National Info Day
📅 14 July 2025 – Organized by TÜBİTAK, Online
More information
Support and Contact:
For information on ERC application support and training opportunities, you may contact the TÜBİTAK ERC National Contact Points:
📧 ncperc@tubitak.gov.tr
🔗 TÜBİTAK ERC page:https://ufukavrupa.org.tr/tr/alanlar-kumeler/avrupa-arastirma-konseyi/starting-grant