The European Research Council (ERC) is preparing for its 2027 grant competition between now and June 2027, introducing a series of important changes that will affect how and when researchers can apply
These changes reflect evolving academic career paths while also addressing the growing volume of applications, which has placed pressure on evaluation systems.
Updated eligibility windows
One of the most significant changes is within the eligibility timelines for Starting and Consolidator Grants. For the 2027 calls, applicants for a Starting Grant must have defended their PhD no more than 10 years before 1 January 2027. Meanwhile, Consolidator Grant applicants must fall within a 5- to 15-year window post-PhD.
These updated windows are designed to better accommodate the diversity of academic careers across disciplines and countries. Career progression can vary widely, with researchers in fields such as mathematics or law often following different timelines compared to those in life sciences or engineering. Extensions to eligibility periods will still be available in specific cases, such as parental leave or clinical training.
Stricter application rules
To manage the increasing number of submissions, the ERC is tightening its application rules. Researchers will be allowed only one proposal under evaluation at any given time, except for Proof of Concept grants. Applicants may submit just one proposal under the 2027 Work Programme unless their initial submission is deemed ineligible.
Another important restriction is that researchers can only receive either a Starting Grant or a Consolidator Grant once in their career. This means that previous recipients of these grants cannot apply again to the same scheme.
There are also new limitations affecting cross-scheme applications. For example, applicants who submitted proposals to the Advanced or Plus Grant competitions in 2026 will not be eligible to apply for a Synergy Grant in 2027.
Changes to Synergy Grants rules
The rules for Synergy Grants have also been changed. All principal investigators involved in a proposal must remain eligible throughout the entire evaluation process. If one member of the group is found to be ineligible at any stage, the entire proposal will be disqualified.
This differs from previous rules, where proposals could continue even if an ineligible investigator was involved. The new approach is intended to ensure fairness and consistency across applications.
Tighter resubmission restrictions
The ERC is also introducing stricter resubmission rules to reduce pressure on reviewers and improve the overall quality of proposals. Applicants who received lower evaluation scores in previous years will face temporary restrictions on reapplying.
For example, those who received a C score in Step 1 of recent grant calls, or a B score in certain cases, may be barred from applying to the 2027 competitions. These rules apply across several grant schemes, including Synergy and other main ERC grants.
These updates are part of a bigger effort by the ERC to adapt to shifting research landscapes and maintain a high standard of evaluation. Researchers are encouraged to carefully assess their eligibility and ensure their proposals are fully developed before applying.
