This information webinar on European Research Council (ERC) Starting and Consolidator Grant 2026 calls for proposals is organised by the National Contact Points (NCPs) for ERC in Belgium (NCP Federal BE, NCP Flanders and NCP-FNRS) to inform potential applicants and host institutions. It is also aimed at researchers who are considering applying in the future.

ERC Starting Grants are targeting researchers who have successfully defended their first PhD between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023 (inclusive).

ERC Consolidator Grants are targeting researchers who have successfully defended their first PhD between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 (inclusive).

Please note the eligibility periods can be extended beyond 7 and 12 years for certain situations. The amount of the grant is up to € 1,5 million (Starting Grants) or 2 million (Consolidator Grants) for 5 years (or up to €2,5 million (Starting Grants) or €3 million (Consolidator Grants) in specific cases).

More information can be found in the ERC work programme.

The ERC Work Programme 2026 is not yet available so call opening dates and deadlines are not yet known. As in previous years publication of the work programme is expected in summer 2025.

Participation to the webinar is free but restricted to researchers wishing to apply with a Belgian host institution, or staff members of Belgian host institutions. Registration is mandatory.

The registration form of the webinar, which is available also via this webpage.

Programme of the webinar

10:00 Welcome

10:05 Overview on the ERC Starting and Consolidator Grant 2026 calls

Jhansi Kota, Call Coordinator Starting Grants, ERCEA

10.35 Questions & Answers

11:05 Testimony of a grant holder and Q&A

Miguel Alfonso Mendez, von Karman Institute, Re-TWIST project, Starting Grant 2024 call evaluation panel PE8

11:25 Testimony of previous panel member and Q&A

Bence Nanay, Universiteit Antwerpen, Consolidator Grant 2023 call evaluation panel SH4

11:45 End of the webinar