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The 2026 Work Programme of the European Research Council has been adopted. The programme outlines funding opportunities, grant budgets, competition schedules, and eligibility rules for ERC funding in the coming year. The document was drafted and endorsed by the ERC Scientific Council and adopted by the European Commission. As previously announced, several updates will apply to ERC grant applications as of the 2026 Work Programme, with further adjustments planned for 2027.
Indicative summary of calls from the 2026 budget
From 2026, applicants will be asked to structure their proposals into two parts: a concise five-page Part I outlining the scientific idea and objectives, and a more detailed Part II focused on implementation and methodology. Feasibility will now only be assessed at Step 2 of evaluation.
As recently stated, applicants based outside Europe can request up to €2 million in additional funding to support their relocation. This additional funding can now also cover personnel costs.
New grounds for extending eligibility for Starting and Consolidator Grants have been introduced, including cases of gender-based violence and a broader definition of parental leave. A resubmission restriction will apply to Synergy Grant applicants who received a ‘B’ score in Step 1 of the 2025 call.
Looking ahead, the ERC will widen the eligibility windows for Starting and Consolidator Grants from 2027 to better reflect varied academic careers. A new funding instrument under the Choose Europe for Science initiative is also in development by the ERC Scientific Council, with details following in due course.
