The ERC 2027 Starting Grant call is now open for applications. Proposals can be submitted until 14 October 2026.
The ERC Starting Grant supports ambitious, ground-breaking research projects proposed by talented early-career researchers who have already demonstrated scientific independence and have the potential to become research leaders.
Eligibility
Under the ERC 2027 Work Programme, the eligibility windows for the Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant schemes have been extended, resulting in a partial overlap between the two calls.
Researchers who defended their PhD between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2026 are eligible to apply for the ERC-2027-StG call. This corresponds to the 0-10 year eligibility window preceding the reference date of 1 January 2027.
Researchers who defended their PhD between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021 are eligible to apply for the ERC-2027-CoG call. This corresponds to the 5-15 year eligibility window preceding the same reference date.
Researchers who are eligible for both the Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant calls may submit only one proposal under the 2027 Work Programme. Applicants are encouraged to choose the scheme that best matches the maturity of their research idea and their academic track record. Researchers are also encouraged to consult the ERC National Contact Point before deciding which call to apply for.
The eligibility window may be extended in accordance with the ERC rules in duly justified cases, including parental leave, compulsory military service, long-term illness, and other eligible circumstances.
Budget and Funding Opportunities
Successful projects may receive up to EUR 1.5 million for a period of five years.
An additional EUR 1 million may be requested for major equipment, large-scale fieldwork, or other eligible expenses.
Researchers currently based in third countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, or Japan) who plan to move to an EU Member State or an Associated Country (such as Türkiye) to carry out their ERC project may request up to EUR 2 million in additional funding to support start-up activities, including laboratory establishment and team building. For example, a researcher relocating from the United States to Türkiye could request up to EUR 3.5 million in total funding.
The ERC 2027 Starting Grant therefore offers significant opportunities both for researchers currently working in Türkiye and for those planning to relocate their research activities to Türkiye.
Call Budget
The ERC 2027 Starting Grant call has a total budget of EUR 594 million, which is expected to fund approximately 373 frontier research projects across all scientific fields.
Call Page
Applications must be submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Related Event
Towards an ERC Starting Grant: from promising idea to competitive proposal
📅 26 June 2026 – Online event organised under the mERCury Project.
Video Recording
Support and Contact
Researchers planning to apply for the ERC 2027 Starting Grant call are welcome to contact Aslı Vural, ERC National Contact Point, to discuss programme-related questions, new project ideas, previous evaluation reports, and opportunities to benefit from ERC-specific training activities and the EBAG Programme offered by TÜBİTAK.
📧 ncperc@tubitak.gov.tr
🔗TÜBİTAK ERC webpage: https://ufukavrupa.org.tr/tr/alanlar-kumeler/avrupa-arastirma-konseyi/starting-grant