Researchers and evaluators will have new rules to follow in the European Research Council grants for 2026 and 2027
Photo credits: Xavier Lejeune / European Union
The European Research Council (ERC) has made changes to its work programmes for the last two years of Horizon Europe that will alter the way researchers apply for the grants, and the evaluation process.
In 2026, researchers applying for an ERC grant will have to structure their proposals in two parts: the first should describe the idea of the project, including its objectives and contribution to the concerned field, and the research strategy; the second should look into its implementation, from the methodology to risk assessment and from mitigation measures to the justification for the requested resources. The second part cannot exceed seven pages for Starting, Consolidator and Advanced grants, and ten pages for applications to the ERC’s Synergy grants.
These changes come at a time when a study co-authored by former ERC scientific council member Reinhilde Veugelers argues that the ERC…
Discover the latest in research funding every Tuesday with Funding Newswire. Dive into detailed articles with our monthly or yearly subscriptions or start with a free trial
NOTE: if you're a part of one of our Network member organisations, you get free access by signing up with your institutional email. Verify your eligibility here.
Receive the Funding Newswire [full access requires a subscription] each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.