The ERC Plus is the new scheme for visionary researchers with bold, transformative projects (in any domain) that prove to go beyond the scope of traditional ERC grants. It supports research that reshapes a field or open new avenues and may also include proposals in the applied sciences.

ERC Plus helps attract and retain top global talent in the EU and supports major scientific challenges that require resources beyond regular grants.
However, it is extremely competitive: only 30 grants per year will be awarded in 2026 & 2027, and researchers can receive it only once in their career.

The scheme targets researchers with an outstanding record of scientific achievement & intellectual leadership. Researchers of any age & nationality, who plan to carry out their project in the EU or Associated Countries (incl Switzerland), are eligible to apply. A min. 30% time commitment is required

• ERC grantees with projects ending after 2028
• Panel members of the Advanced 2026 call
• Applicants with an eligible ERC application under the 2026 Work Programme
• Applicants who previously received a B or C score

Further restrictions may be added at the opening of the call in June 2026 (tbc).

• Up to EUR 7M (all-inclusive), higher than other ERC (StG–CoG–AdG, EUR 1.5–2.5M)
• Budget covers 100% of the project costs, incl. 25% OHs. Co-funding is not required
• Duration: 4–7 yrs, with no reduction for projects shorter than 7 yrs
• Funding is awarded as a lump-sum contribution.

Step 1 - evaluated by ERC Advance panels (by domain)
• Part I + CV&Track Record + NEW Statement of Vision

Step 2 - evaluated by ERC Plus panel (interdisciplinary)
• full proposal + interview focusing on the applicant´s ability to articulate the transformative nature of their idea.

Proposals are evaluated solely on the basis of excellence, applied to both the project and the principal investigator. Compared to other ERC grants, greater emphasis is placed on applicants’ past achievements compared to regular grants, assessed in relation to their career stage.