The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the results of its latest Consolidator Grant competition, selecting 349 mid-career researchers for a combined €728 million in funding
Supported through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the consolidator grants will allow recipients to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven research across a wide range of scientific fields.
This year’s consolidator grants were among the most competitive to date. With 3,121 applications submitted, the demand for ERC funding continues to rise, showing the growing need for investment in frontier research across Europe.
Research covering 25 countries
The successful researchers will conduct their work at universities and research institutes across 25 EU Member States and associated countries. This year, institutions in the United Kingdom will host the most projects, with 65 grants, followed by Germany with 58, the Netherlands with 40, and Spain with 26.
The new cohort comprises 44 nationalities, underscoring Europe’s global appeal as a centre of scientific excellence. German, Italian, and British researchers form the largest groups among awardees, with 48, 37, and 33 grantees, respectively. Women account for 38% of those selected, a proportion that has remained relatively consistent in recent years.
Breakthrough projects across all disciplines
The funded projects reflect the ERC’s mission to support new ideas that have the potential to reshape their scientific fields or unlock entirely new areas of inquiry.
Some of this year’s highlights include a project in Slovenia that aims to build powered protein motors, opening the door to a new generation of nanoscale machines. In the Netherlands, a researcher at the intersection of biology and chemistry will explore the use of quantum sensing technology to detect sepsis at its earliest stages. This development could significantly improve patient outcomes.
In Spain, a materials scientist will design targeted nanoparticles that home in on tumour cells, enabling more precise cancer treatments. In Italy, a psychotherapist will develop an algorithmic tool to predict how children may respond to specific mental health interventions, providing clinicians with new ways to tailor care.
Meanwhile, in Poland, a historian will investigate the decline of the Late Roman Empire by focusing on the experiences of its provincial populations, offering new insight into a pivotal period of European history.
Growing demand for frontier research funding
The sharp rise in applications submitted this year shows not only the attractiveness of ERC funding but also the increasing pressure on researchers competing for limited resources.
Despite the record budget of €728 million, many high-quality proposals could not be funded, reinforcing long-standing calls from the research community for greater investment in scientific exploration.
As Europe seeks to strengthen its position in global research and innovation, the substantial support provided through the consolidator grants plays a crucial role. By empowering mid-career scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas, the ERC continues to help shape scientific progress and nurture the next generation of leading researchers.
