The European Research Area (ERA) Fellowships 2025 call has officially opened, offering researchers worldwide the opportunity to carry out research in Europe
The ERA Fellowships 2025 will be specifically in countries classed as widening countries. With a submission deadline set for 10 September 2025, the ERA Fellowship 2025 program continues to promote mobility, knowledge exchange, and career development among researchers across the globe.
What are ERA fellowships?
ERA Fellowships are individual research grants that aim to improve the research and innovation (R&I) potential of countries that are underrepresented in European research and innovation funding programs.
These countries, known as Widening Countries, include a group of EU Member States and Associated Countries with lower participation rates in Horizon Europe.
By focusing on these nations, the ERA Fellowships 2025 contribute to a more balanced and inclusive European Research Area, where research excellence is accessible to all parts of Europe.
A focus on mobility and knowledge sharing
A big part of the ERA Fellowships 2025 is a strong emphasis on researcher mobility and international collaboration. The fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality, as long as their projects involve either:
- Moving from outside the EU into a Widening Country, or
- Moving within the EU from a non-Widening Country to a Widening Country.
This mobility component is designed to boost the research capacity of host institutions in Widening Countries while enabling researchers to grow their networks, develop new skills, and engage in high-level research activities.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be experienced researchers, preferably holding a doctoral degree, and should present a strong research proposal in collaboration with a host organisation based in a Widening Country. The fellowships are open across all fields of research, supporting a wide range of innovative and interdisciplinary projects.
ERA Fellowships 2025 are especially attractive for postdoctoral researchers seeking to enhance their academic careers in a supportive and collaborative European setting. The program encourages both newcomers to the European research landscape and researchers already within the EU who wish to explore opportunities in less research-intensive regions.
The ERA Fellowships 2025 call builds on the successful MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 action (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions), widely known for their high standards in research excellence and researcher development. By using the MSCA framework, the ERA Fellowships maintain strong evaluation standards while offering personalised support for host institutions in Widening Countries.
Host organisations are expected to provide strong mentoring and training environments for fellows, ensuring that the fellowship leads to tangible career development and scientific impact.
Important dates and how to apply
The deadline for applications is 10 September 2025, and proposals must be submitted through the official Horizon Europe funding portal. Interested researchers are encouraged to start preparing their applications well in advance, especially to secure an intense match with a suitable host institution.
The call is a significant opportunity for researchers aiming to make a mark in European science, while also contributing to the development of research ecosystems in emerging regions.
