ERC awards € 761 million in Starting Grant for groundbreaking research
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced that in 2025, a total of 478 ERC Starting Grant applications will be awarded to young, promising researchers. With a combined value of € 761 million, this represents a major boost for innovative and pioneering research within the European Union.
The ERC Starting Grants are part of Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation programme. These grants are designed to give talented researchers in the early stages of their academic careers the opportunity to establish their own research teams.
Strong interest in ERC Starting Grant 2025
Interest in the scheme was considerable: no fewer than 3,928 researchers submitted an application for the 2025 call. Only 12% of applications were successful, underlining the highly prestigious nature of the grant. The selected projects, representing 51 different nationalities, cover a wide range of topics. From research into the similarities between ADHD in children and adults to studies on changes in human tissue due to ageing.
According to the European Commission, such grants are essential in strengthening Europe’s position as a hub for world-class scientific research. By supporting young researchers early in their careers, the EU can stimulate innovation and develop solutions for social and technological challenges.
Hezelburcht as an experienced grant partner
The specialists at Hezelburcht have extensive experience in supporting ERC applications. Over the years, our experts have assisted numerous international universities and research institutes in preparing strong funding proposals. Each year, we conduct more than fifty ERC reviews. Of the proposals that we approve positively, around half go on to reach the interview stage. An important step in the right direction and a strong result compared to the only 12% success rate awarded this year.
Curious about your ERC opportunities? We are here to help!
For researchers preparing a future application, it is crucial to start early with a clear research strategy and a convincing project proposal. Competition is fierce, but the reward offers unique opportunities to build an independent academic career. Unsure how best to approach this? Our specialists are here to help! We offer a wide range of services to support you throughout the entire grant process. Interested in learning more about your opportunities? Please contact us at info@hezelburcht.com or call us on 088 495 20 00 to schedule a meeting.
