The European Research Council (ERC) has officially opened the ERC Consolidator Grant 2027 under the Horizon Europe programme. The prestigious grant supports outstanding researchers who are ready to consolidate their independent research careers by establishing or strengthening their own research teams in Europe. Researchers of any nationality can apply, provided their project is hosted by an eligible institution based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. The grant provides up to €2 million over five years, with additional funding available for eligible project costs. About the ERC Consolidator Grant The ERC Consolidator Grant is one of the European Union’s flagship research funding schemes. It is designed for researchers who have already demonstrated scientific independence and are prepared to lead ambitious, groundbreaking research projects with significant scientific impact. The programme funds investigator-driven frontier research across all fields of science and scholarship, including interdisciplinary research. Projects are selected solely on the basis of scientific excellence. Successful Principal Investigators will establish or further develop an independent research team while pursuing innovative ideas with the potential to transform knowledge within their discipline. Grant Value and Funding The ERC Consolidator Grant offers substantial long-term research funding. Successful applicants may receive: Up to €2,000,000 for projects lasting up to 60 months Additional funding of up to €1,000,000 for justified eligible research costs Researchers relocating from outside the EU or Associated Countries may request up to €2,000,000 in additional funding where eligible The additional funding may support major equipment, access to large facilities, relocation costs, or other eligible expenses that are essential for carrying out the proposed research. Who Can Apply? The grant is open to researchers worldwide, regardless of nationality or current country of residence. To be eligible, applicants must: Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree by the application deadline. Have successfully defended their PhD between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021. Demonstrate evidence of research independence. Conduct the project at an eligible host institution located in an EU Member State or Associated Country. The eligibility window may be extended in specific documented circumstances, including eligible career breaks and other provisions outlined in the ERC Work Programme. Researchers who have previously received an ERC Consolidator Grant are not eligible to apply for the same grant type again. Eligible Research Fields One of the defining features of the ERC is its openness to all scientific disciplines. Eligible proposals may come from: Natural Sciences Engineering and Technology Medical and Life Sciences Social Sciences Humanities Interdisciplinary Research The ERC particularly encourages bold, high-risk, high-gain research that advances fundamental knowledge. Host Institution Requirements Applicants must have the support of a host institution before submitting their proposal. Eligible host organisations include: Universities Public research institutes Private research organisations International European research organisations (such as CERN or EMBL) Other eligible legal entities established in EU Member States or Associated Countries A Host Institution Support Letter is mandatory and must accompany the application. Evaluation Process The ERC uses a two-step peer-review evaluation process. During Step 1, expert panels assess the scientific proposal and the Principal Investigator’s excellence. The highest-ranked proposals advance to Step 2. During Step 2, shortlisted applicants participate in interviews with ERC evaluation panels. Final funding decisions are based exclusively on scientific excellence, considering both the ambition of the research project and the investigator’s capacity to deliver it. Required Application Documents A complete proposal includes several components submitted electronically through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, including: Administrative Form (Part A) Scientific Proposal Part I (maximum 5 pages) Scientific Proposal Part II (maximum 7 pages) Curriculum Vitae and Track Record (maximum 4 pages) Resources and Time Commitment (maximum 2 pages) Host Institution Support Letter Ethics documentation PhD documentation for eligibility verification All proposals must be submitted before the deadline through the official ERC electronic submission system. Important Dates Call opens: 24 September 2026 Submission deadline: 12 January 2027 (17:00 Brussels time) Project duration: Up to 60 months Maximum grant: €2 million (+ eligible additional funding) Why Apply for the ERC Consolidator Grant? The ERC Consolidator Grant is widely regarded as one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious research funding opportunities. Beyond its generous financial support, it enables researchers to build independent research teams, pursue ambitious scientific questions, access leading European research environments, and produce internationally influential scholarship across any discipline. The programme is particularly valuable for researchers transitioning into established research leadership while maintaining complete scientific freedom over their proposed project. How to Apply Applications must be submitted through the European Commission Funding & Tenders Portal under the ERC-2027-COG call. Applicants should carefully review the ERC Work Programme, Information for Applicants, eligibility rules, and proposal templates before preparing their submission. Deadline: 12 January 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.