Seventh EU Framework Programme Ireland

FAQs

How can I obtain more information?

By logging on to the European Research Council homepage you will find the following information:

• Guide for Applicants for each grant type - Advanced, Starter, Synergy and Proof of Concept.
• Electronic Information Service - announcing the latest activities and developments.
• Research Enquiry Service - with the most up to date information on the programme.

There is also an e-alerts facility on this website.

An additional service is an email list focussing on the Physical Sciences, Engineering & Lifesciences areas (to subscribe, send email to erc-list-join@lists.sfi.ie and reply to the automatic email)

Who can apply for funding?

Outstanding researchers, regardless of their nationality, provided that the host organisation they are currently, or will be working, for are based in the EU, an associated country or is an international European interest organisation can apply for the grant. 

For the ERC Starting Grants, applicants must have two to twelve years of postdoctoral experience, and be in the process of launching or consolidating their own research team.

For the Advanced Grants established independent research leaders at all career stages (no age limit) and with an outstanding track record are welcome to apply.

What subjects are covered by the funding?

All areas of Science are eligible for funding, but it is broken down into three subject areas: 

1. Physical Sciences and Engineering
2. Social Sciences and Humanities
3. Life Sciences

How do I apply?

Proposals should be submitted electronically via the web-based Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS). Full instructions can be found in the "EPSS preparation and submission guide" - click here to access the EPSS userguide

How are the applications assessed?

Scientific excellence is the sole criterion to assess and select proposals, and as such will be applied to the evaluation of both the Principal Investigator and the research project. The evaluation of proposals is in the hands of 25 peer review panels (ERC Advanced Grant Evaluation Panels) composed of 10-15 distinguished researchers acting as independent experts in the subject area of the corresponding ERC Panel. They will be supported in the individual assessment of proposals by additional experts who will act as remote referees.

When is the deadline?

Each subject area has a different deadline. Click here to view the full list of deadlines

What is the amount of funding available?

Depending on the subject of the proposed project, ERC Starting Grants may last up to five years and provide a total of up to €2.0 million for a five-year-grant (pro rata for projects of shorter duration).

ERC Advanced Grants may last up to five years and provide a total of up to €3.5 million for a five-year-grant (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). Normally, however, ERC Advanced Grants will be limited to a maximum of €2.5 million unless the application involves specific features requiring a higher level of support: a "co-investigator project" a project which requires the purchase of major research equipment, or when the PI is currently engaged in a third country but intends to move to a host institution in a member state or associated country in order to built up a new research team and activity.

ERC Proof of Concept grants are open to all Principal Investigators benefitting from an ERC Advanced or Starting Grant. ERC Proof of Concept grants last 12 months and provide a total or €150,000.

How long must the research projects be?

The project duration must be a minimum of one year and last no longer than five years.

Who can I contact for further information?

Please feel free send a general enquiry to the FP7 Ireland contact us mailbox or contact your Irish National Contact point for Ideas/ERC. Details are also shown on the right.