European Research Council awards grants to 36 young Spanish scientists for cutting-edge projects

The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the award of 494 grants to early-stage scientists and academics across Europe, of which 36 are Spanish. This funding, totalling almost €780 million, supports cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields, from life and physical sciences to social and human sciences. It will help young researchers to launch their own projects, build their teams and pursue their most promising ideas. The funding is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “The European Commission is proud to support the curiosity and passion of our young talents in the framework of our Horizon Europe programme. With these ERC Starting Grants, the new winners will try to deepen our understanding of the world. Their creativity is essential to finding solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. In this call I am pleased to see one of the highest proportions of women grantees to date, a trend I hope will continue. Bravo!”

Women researchers won 44% of the initial new grants, compared to 43% in 2023 and 39% in 2022. The winners proposed to host their projects in universities and research centres in 24 EU Member States and associated countries, including Germany (98 grants), the Netherlands (51), the UK (50) and France (49).

Starting grants generally amount to €1.5 million each and are awarded for a period of five years. Additional funds may be made available to cover moving costs, acquisition of major equipment, access to large facilities or major experimental and professional costs.It is estimated that the grants will create 3 160 jobs in the teams of the new beneficiaries.

Source: European Comission