The European Commission presented on February 22, 2021. Work program 2021 for the European Research Council.

This is the first work program within Horizon Europe - the new European framework of the Research and Innovation Program for 2021-2027.
It contains three main calls for project proposals for border research actions totaling 1.9 billion euros.
The European Research Council (ERC) offers grants to top researchers from anywhere in the world who are willing to come or stay in Europe in search of their groundbreaking scientific and technological discoveries that can form the basis of new industries, markets and social innovations of the future.

First Call for Proposals 2021 - Starting Grants (ERC-2021-STG)

Throughout the EU's long-term budget 2021-2027, the European Research Council should receive over € 16 billion from Horizon Europe, an increase of 22% compared to Horizon 2020.

Within the new competition series, the first call announced is “Starting Grants,” which will support top researchers in launching their own independent research teams or programs.

The call was published on 25 February 2021, with a budget of € 619 million per year and the application deadline is 8 April. 2021.

Who can apply?
Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completing their PhD (extensions are possible under certain circumstances - see the latest ERC work program), with a scientific dossier showing great promise and an excellent research proposal.

What suggestions are acceptable?

Criteria
Applications can be submitted in any area of ​​research.
ERC grants operate “bottom-up” with no pre-determined priorities.
Site research must be conducted by a public or private research organization (known as the Host Institution / HI). This can be an institution where the applicant already works or any other located in one of the EU Member States or associated countries.
Requests from the host institution for ERC support must be submitted by one Principal Investigator (PI) in cooperation with and on behalf of their host institution, which is called the applicant legal entity.
Grants are awarded to the host institution with an explicit commitment that this institution offers appropriate conditions to the principal investigator to independently direct the research and manage its funding throughout the project. Any type of legal entity can apply, including universities, research centers and businesses, it can host PI and his / her team. The host institution must be legally established in one of the EU Member States or one of the associated countries.
How much?

Initial grants can be awarded up to EUR 1.5 million for a period of 5 years. (proportionally for shorter duration projects). However, an additional EUR 1 million may be made available to cover eligible start-up costs for researchers moving from a third country to an EU or associated country and / or the purchase of major equipment and / or access to large facilities and / or other higher experimental and fieldwork costs. .The ERC support may cover up to 100% of the total eligible direct costs of the research plus a contribution of 25% of the total eligible costs for the indirect costs.

How to apply?

Applications for ERC grants can only be submitted in response to a call for proposals.

Every year, the ERC announces competitions covering all scientific fields.

In order for an ERC support application to be complete, it must contain administrative forms, a research proposal and additional documents. The completed proposal should be submitted by the specified closing date.

You can find more about the call and how to apply and other conditions on this page and the portal of the European Commission for funding and tenders.