European Research Council

Three out of four Starting grants go to young researchers hosted by Germany, UK, France, the Netherlands, Israel and Spain. There are no grants going to Switzerland

The EU has formally accepted Swiss scientists back into a handful of research programmes

A decrease in applications of almost two per cent is attributed to the ineligibility of Swiss scientists and new rules on re-submission

Being popular is a usually a good thing. But the European Research Council may have too much of a good thing.

The ERC is making it easier for Korean scientists to join EU research teams, and a new research and innovation centre in Brussels will be a stepping stone to the EU for both Korean researchers and companies

A total of 284 researchers are to receive up to €3.5 million each for basic research, while 33 top-up grants will test the commercial potential of leading ideas

A total of 287 researchers are in line to receive €400 million in the final round of starting grants awarded under Framework Programme 7

Key MEPs are calling for specific measures to widen the horizon of the EU’s flagship research programme and ensure there is more participation from member states with less-developed R&D systems

Scientific breakthroughs arise when excellent researchers are given the freedom to explore beyond the bounds of formulaic R&D programmes. A Howard Hughes-type grant scheme for Europe would promote this, says Gunnar Öquist