In that case, read this first.
The ERC Work Programme 2026 brings several significant changes. Specifically, it introduces a new proposal structure, updated eligibility rules, and simplified funding schemes. Some updates are minor, while others have a bigger impact. Either way, they may affect how you plan, write, and submit your proposal.
A quick refresher: How an ERC Grant works.
Before we dive into the changes, let’s quickly review how ERC grants work.
In short, ERC evaluates proposals in two steps, using two core documents: B1 and B2.
In Step 1, a panel of generalist reviewers reads only B1.
If selected, the proposal moves to Step 2. At that point, a new panel of specialists reviews both B1 and B2.
B1 includes the abstract, Part I of the scientific proposal (which outlines the overall idea, research question, objectives, and high-level approach), as well as your CV and track record.
B2 includes Part II, which details the methodology, work plan, risk management, team structure, and budget justification.
What’s changing in ERC 2026?
A New Proposal Structure
First of all, the scientific proposal has a new format. Parts I and II are now cleaner and shorter. This helps you highlight what matters most at each stage of evaluation.
- Part I remains 5 pages long. However, it now focuses solely on the scientific idea and your strategy for realizing it. You should describe your research question, the state of the art, your objectives, and your high-level approach. This is your chance to convince the panel that you are pushing the frontier of knowledge, without going into implementation details.
- Part II focuses on implementation and is now significantly shorter. It used to be 14 pages. Now it’s just 7 pages for Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants, or 10 pages for Synergy Grants. In this section, explain your methodology, work plan, risk management, and how you’ll use the requested resources. Avoid repeating anything from Part I. Make the best use of the space to strengthen your implementation case.
Insight from the TPM team: Part I is your idea. Part II shows how you will deliver it. No repetition. Just focus and clarity.
Evaluation Process: Ambition First, Implementation Later
Secondly, ERC will evaluate implementation only in Step 2. This change allows bold ideas to stand out before reviewers consider implementation.
- Step 1: Reviewers assess solely the research idea and your capacity to deliver it, using Part I, and your CV and Track Record.
- Step 2: Reviewers evaluate your implementation plan: methodology, risk mitigation, resources, and team capacity. For Synergy Grants, they also consider the added value of collaboration between PIs.
Insight from the TPM team: This gives groundbreaking ideas a better chance to move forward. It prevents reviewers from rejecting ambitious projects too early based on implementation complexity.
A More Inclusive Eligibility Policy
Third, ERC 2026 updates its eligibility rules to better reflect diverse research careers.
- It now explicitly recognizes parental leave (not just maternity, but paternity too).
- In addition, if you experienced interruptions due to violence (including gender-based, racial, or other forms), you can now request eligibility extensions.
To qualify, you must have been out of research work for at least 90 days and provide supporting documentation.
Insight from the TPM team: These changes make funding more accessible. By acknowledging caregiving and systemic barriers, ERC ensures that rigid timelines no longer block brilliant ideas.
Simplified and Expanded Additional Funding
Additionally, ERC has streamlined its funding scheme. It removed subcategories, making the process easier.
As a result, you can now request:
- Up to €1M for fieldwork, experiments, equipment, infrastructure access, and personnel costs (new).
- An extra €1M to support relocation and start-up if you are moving from a non-associated country to Europe.
Insight from the TPM team: The updated scheme fits real-world project needs. However, please note that reviewers must still approve your request. Justify it clearly to improve your chances of success.
Stricter Resubmission Rules
Finally, ERC has introduced tighter resubmission rules.
- If your Synergy Grant proposal received a ‘B’ at Step 1 in 2025, you cannot reapply in 2026.
This restriction applies only to Synergy Grants and aims to control the volume of resubmissions in what is a highly competitive and oversubscribed call. - Also, if you currently hold an ERC grant and want to apply again in 2026, your ongoing project must end within two years of the call deadline. (Extensions granted after the deadline do not affect eligibility.)
Insight from the TPM team: This is a resource-management measure, not a judgment of scientific quality. If you received a ‘B’, take the time to rethink and come back stronger.
Need help reshaping your proposal? Or tips on nailing Part I’s narrative punch?
Reach out. We are happy to help!
Explore our dedicated pages for each ERC call:
Curious how we work? Check out our workflow for ERC consulting.
Or get in touch directly!
What’s coming in 2027?
New Rules for Starting and Consolidator Grants!
Looking ahead, ERC plans additional changes for the 2027 calls for Starting and Consolidator Grants:
- Extended eligibility windows:
– Starting Grant: from 0-10 years post-PhD
– Consolidator Grant: from 5-15 years post-PhD
As a result, you will now find a 5-year overlap between the two schemes.
This provides you with more flexibility to select the grant that best suits your career stage. Ultimately, ERC aims to support diverse career paths and recognize that independence is achieved at different times in various disciplines.
- One-per-lifetime rule:
From 2027, you can receive only one Starting Grant and one Consolidator Grant in your career.
However, you may still apply for multiple Advanced or Synergy Grants.
ERC will confirm these changes in the 2027 Work Programme, which is expected to be released in mid-2026.
So…stay tuned!
For more information on ERC Grants, check out the following resources: