Advanced materials are a cornerstone for Europe’s capacity to safeguard strategic autonomy, reinforce industrial competitiveness, and deliver green and digital transitions. A new ERC report illustrates how curiosity-driven research across the full breadth of materials science and engineering lays the foundation for faster lab-to-market translation and for EU leadership in key policy domains – from health and electronics to energy, construction and mobility.
As global challenges intensify, demand for advanced materials – deliberately designed and engineered to deliver superior performance or specific functionalities – is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Against this backdrop, this report offers a timely analysis of ERC-funded frontier research in advanced materials across the societal domains where it can have the greatest impact. From hydrogels for chronic pain management to ultra-bright perovskite LEDs and neuromorphic computing – the breakthroughs highlighted in the publication reflect the breadth and diversity of the ERC portfolio.
The report maps 1,503 projects from 29 countries, supported by €2.37 billion in funding between 2014 and 2023 under the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes. Alongside the quantitative overview, a structured analysis of the scientific landscape zooms in on disciplines, material classes, functionalities and emerging research approaches, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in materials discovery and design.
The mapping also highlights cross-cutting priorities, including sustainability, full life cycle thinking, and the use of earth-abundant elements to support a fairer global distribution of wealth and reduce reliance on raw materials from conflict-affected regions. Overall, advanced materials projects represent 13% of all ERC grants and 12% of annual expenditure, underscoring their strategic significance within the ERC portfolio.
Strategic policy priorities
ERC-funded frontier research is integral to building a robust scientific and technological foundation for Europe’s leadership in key policy areas, underpinning major strategies, initiatives and legal frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the Artificial Intelligence and European Chips Acts, and the upcoming Advanced Materials Act.
Reflecting alignment with EU strategic priorities, the portfolio analysis follows the five policy sectors identified in the Scientific Advice Mechanism’s Scoping Paper on Advances Materials: health, advanced electronics, energy, construction and mobility.
Percentage of ERC advanced materials projects by policy sector
ERC-funded projects in the health sector, together with advanced electronics, comprise the largest share of the advanced materials portfolio. From novel medical devices and regenerative materials to breakthrough diagnostic and therapeutic tools, these materials play a pivotal role in developing next-generation healthcare solutions with transformative potential.
Innovative materials also underpin all advanced electronic technologies (e.g. semiconductors, photonics and quantum materials), driving progress towards faster computing and more sustainable production.
In the energy sector, ERC projects address key challenges in renewable energy generation, conservation and storage, while simultaneously advancing novel 2D materials, polymers and hybrid alloys with enhanced functional properties, improved stability and lower environmental and economic costs.
Lastly, innovation potential across the construction and mobility sectors centres around efficient and durable solutions for infrastructure and transport, with a view to reducing energy use, extending material lifetimes, and developing bio-based alternatives.
From curiosity to application
In materials science, the boundary between curiosity-driven basic research and applied research are inherently porous. Sustained investment in fundamental science, flanked by strengthened support for technology transfer and innovation financing, is foundational to accelerating lab-to-fab pathways.
The report unveils how the ERC advanced materials portfolio has catalysed immense innovation beyond scientific excellence – with 16 EIC Transition grants awarded, at least 94 patent-generating projects, and at least 52 spin-off companies created.
Read the full report
